Have a dental cleaning appointment coming up? Read on to learn about what to expect. Every patient may have a unique experience with their dental cleaning depending on the status of their oral health and the preferred process of the dentist or hygienist that performs the cleaning. However, there are certain steps that are to be expected during a dental cleaning.
It is helpful to understand how the dental cleaning process works in order to prepare for the appointment. The most common steps involved with a dental cleaning visit include an oral examination, the removal of plaque and tartar, polishing, and flossing.
The first thing that is likely to occur during a check-up and dental cleaning visit is an oral examination. An oral examination involves a detailed look inside the patient's mouth to look for any oral health concerns that may need to be addressed during the cleaning or with additional treatment. Depending on how long it has been since the patient's last visit, the dentist may also order dental x-rays.
The primary goal of a dental cleaning appointment is to remove the build-up of plaque and tartar on the surface of teeth and along the gum line. This is done with special dental instruments. While the patient may feel the dentist or hygienist at work while they scrape away the plaque and tartar build-up, it should not cause any notable discomfort. The removal of plaque and tartar can help reduce the risk of common oral health concerns such as gum disease and dental cavities.
Polishing is often a part of the routine dental cleaning process and takes place after the removal of plaque and tartar through scaling. Polishing teeth essentially makes the surface of teeth smoother without damaging the enamel. This can help prevent the future accumulation of plaque and tartar and reduce the risk of oral health concerns such as cavities from developing between dental visits.
The next step in the dental cleaning process is professional flossing. This removes all food particles, plaque, and tartar that develop between teeth. Advanced flossing as a part of a dental cleaning can reduce the risk of issues such as deep gum pockets, periodontal disease, and tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas. After flossing, the dentist or hygienist can rinse the mouth.
If the patient shows signs of weakened enamel that could possibly develop into dental cavities, then the dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment. This can strengthen the bonds of dental enamel and reduce the risk of cavities developing. However, not all patients will need special fluoride treatment after a dental cleaning.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Agoura Hills, CA
If you have additional questions about what you can expect during your next dental cleaning visit or need to schedule a cleaning or check-up visit, then contact our dental practice today by phone or message. We are more than happy to answer your questions and schedule a convenient time for your visit.
Request an appointment or call The Smile Spa at 818-573-2196 for an appointment in our Agoura Hills office.
Curious about what happens during a teeth cleaning at a general dentistry office? Read on to learn more about what to expect during a professional dental cleaning. You may be aware that the dentist cleans your teeth and examines your mouth for signs of oral issues, but you might not know the exact steps involved.…
If you're looking to maintain healthy gums, consider scheduling regular dental cleaning as part of your regular dental hygiene routine. This will help you avoid gum disease, which can be caused by bacteria building up around your teeth and gums and can lead to tooth loss and even heart problems if left untreated. These seven…
Visiting the dentist for a checkup and dental cleaning is not something that most people anticipate cheerfully. Continue reading to learn about the importance of dental cleanings. The well-being of your teeth, mouth, and gums will be jeopardized if you skip your bi-annual dentist appointments. Going in for a checkup and cleanings twice a year…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that dentists recommend brushing twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why this is so. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different?Brushing your teeth is a…
Tooth extraction can be an intimidating prospect, but when recommended, it is a necessary step for maintaining good oral health. This routine procedure removes a severely decayed, damaged, or crowded tooth, alleviating pain and discomfort. Understanding the extraction process and how to recover effectively afterward can make the whole experience much smoother.A general dentist will…