How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?

How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take? from The Smile Spa in Agoura Hills, CAIf you have not undergone a dental cleaning in over six months, it is time to go for a dental cleaning. Dental professionals recommend undergoing dental cleaning every six months to prevent oral issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Due to your schedule, you might be concerned about how long the cleaning appointment takes. Continue reading to find out.

The duration of the cleaning appointment

Thankfully, dental cleaning only takes a few minutes, meaning patients will not have to wait long at the dental office. The cleaning process typically takes less than 30 minutes to finish, with some lasting up to an hour. The cleaning appointment’s duration is largely determined by the teeth’s and gums’ condition and the type of cleaning needed by the patient.

The dentist will clean the teeth with gritty toothpaste after scraping off plaque and tartar with a scaler. They will then floss and clean the teeth and clear any excess toothpaste and dirt. Once the teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, fluoride will be added to the surface to protect the enamel and prevent plaque buildup in the future. However, it is important to remember that dental cleaning entails more than just cleaning and teeth polishing.

The dentist may also decide to take x-rays and examine structures of the oral cavity for signs of oral health issues. These additional steps are required to help patients maintain proper oral health. They even take up extra time during dental appointments. The following are some of the factors that determine how long the dental cleaning appointment takes:

The teeth’s condition

Plaque, tartar, and stains are eliminated from the teeth during a professional dental cleaning. The patient’s level of oral hygiene, including teeth brushing and flossing, affects the amount of plaque and tartar accumulation. When patients floss regularly, there is usually less plaque and tartar between the teeth. Stains typically form due to normal eating and drinking, but activities like heavy alcohol intake, smoking, and coffee drinking can increase discoloration.

Gum disease

The gum tissue recedes from the teeth area between each tooth's pockets, and the underlying gum tissue becomes infected. To eliminate gum disease, the dentist needs to clean deep periodontal pockets properly. Scaling and root planing is a more thorough cleaning, and it takes a longer time to complete.

Dental fear

Dental treatment for patients with dental anxiety necessitates a bit more effort and patience. Suppose the dentist is aware of a patient’s anxiety. In that case, they will operate at a slower speed to keep them comfortable and try as much as possible to clarify what is happening during the process.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Agoura Hills, CA

In summary

In general, most people would only need a preventative dental cleaning when they see their dentist, and they should hope to be in and out in around an hour. Patients that require a deep or maintenance cleaning will normally be seen right away. Gross debridement cleaning is the only form of cleaning that lasts long and done over several dental visits. Regular dental appointments can help patients avoid this type of cleaning.

Request an appointment or call The Smile Spa at 818-573-2196 for an appointment in our Agoura Hills office.

Recent Posts

How Routine Dental Cleanings Help With Gum Health

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…

Why Is It Necessary To Get A Dental Cleaning?

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…

Why Diabetics Should Get A Dental Cleaning

Individuals who have diabetes may be at a higher risk for developing oral health concerns, which is why they should go to the dentist for a dental cleaning. In addition, developing oral health concerns can increase blood sugar levels and have an impact on general health. Therefore, it is encouraged for diabetics to receive regular…

Recent Posts

Invisalign For Teens: What Foods To Avoid

Invisalign For Teens: What Foods To Avoid

Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens over traditional braces. Braces use wires and frequent adjustments to straighten each tooth individually. Invisalign clear aligners straighten all the teeth at once and are swapped out for new ones about every two weeks during the process. These aligners are…

Which Dental Restoration Procedure Is Right For You?

Which Dental Restoration Procedure Is Right For You?

At some time or another, most individuals will need dental restoration. Restoring teeth is necessary when the teeth are in poor condition due to decay or a lack of proper oral care. Modern dentistry offers a wide variety of options for dental restorations.There are so many fantastic alternatives when it comes to dental restorations that…

Consumer information is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

For your convenience, easily click on the button to the right for your fillable Patient Forms!