Going to a general dentist for a teeth cleaning appointment is an essential part of good dental hygiene. While these appointments do not replace regular brushing and flossing, they help address plaque buildup that inevitably occurs with time and allow a dental professional to identify any areas of concern. While the exact process used during regular cleaning appointments may vary from office to office, there are several steps patients can expect when going in for a visit.
While it is recommended that adults and children with average dental health visit a dentist every six months for a basic cleaning and exam, the American Dental Association reported that only 52.3% of surveyed adults in 2014 claimed to have visited the dentist this often. 21.3% of the participants said that they had gone several years without visiting the dentist. Among the reasons cited for not making an appointment included cost, fear of visiting the dentist, and difficulty getting an appointment. Understanding what one can expect when getting a teeth cleaning can help patients learn the importance of this appointment and ease dental anxiety.
During a cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist uses several tools:
The hygienist uses these tools to remove plaque and generally clean the mouth. This procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and is followed by an examination from the dentist.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of removing plaque buildup, the hygienist may first ask the patient to rinse with a pre-procedural mouthwash for about 30 seconds. The ingredients in the rinse can vary, with common solutions including chlorhexidine, alcohol, povidone-iodine, or even essential oils, and the purpose of is to reduce microbes and minimize the risk of cross-contamination. The rinse is followed by a quick examination with a mouth mirror.
If plaque is not adequately brushed or flossed away, it hardens and mineralizes into tartar that continues to accumulate with time and contributes to periodontal and gum disease. It is difficult to remove this calculus at home once it has formed, which is one reason why professional teeth cleaning appointments are so essential. An ultrasonic plaque remover uses electric vibration to loosen plaque. A handheld scaler helps further remove any remaining buildup.
Next, the hygienist cleans the teeth and helps remove any surface stains and brighten the appearance of the teeth with a polisher. This electric tool features a prophy cup with prophylaxis toothpaste that is applied to each tooth. The hygienist finishes by flossing the teeth with dental floss and may also brush on fluoride treatment.
While anxiety about pain or discomfort during a teeth cleaning is understandable, this procedure is important for maintaining the appearance and health of the teeth. Patients should communicate with the hygienist if they have any conditions that cause pain, such as a temporomandibular disorder or extreme fear. Often, there are ways the hygienist can make the patient more comfortable while ensuring good oral hygiene is maintained.
Request an appointment here: https://lincroftvillagedental.com or call Lincroft Village Dental Care at (732) 842-5005 for an appointment in our Lincroft office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Lincroft, NJ.
A dental cleaning is the perfect opportunity to catch up with your dentist. Yes really, catch up. Your average dentist loves it when their patients have healthy teeth that need little more than a light scrub. This is why preventative measures like routine checkups are so important.Patients with healthy teeth can spend the bulk of…
Everyone wants to keep their smile white and healthy for as long as possible, and a complete dental exam every six months is the best way to achieve this goal. You want to find a dentist you are comfortable with, establish a good relationship, and keep up with your oral health. Many patients suffer from dental…
A teeth cleaning is a preventive dental procedure that removes plaque and tartar build-up on the surface of teeth and along the gum line. It is helpful to talk to your dentist about teeth cleanings and the benefits they provide to determine why they are highly recommended several times each year.You can learn more about…
Getting a regular dental exam is essential if you want to have great oral health. Besides having good hygiene at home, you should visit the dentist regularly. That is a great way to keep the gums and teeth in good condition. There are several advantages of going to the dentist’s office regularly. That includes reducing…
A dental cleaning is the perfect opportunity to catch up with your dentist. Yes really,…
Although every sporting activity has risks, patients need to take active steps to protect their…
If you are missing either one or multiple teeth, you may want to ask your…
Having a dental bridge placed can make life a lot easier and improve oral health…
While dental restorations focus primarily on restoring the function of damaged teeth, these treatments also…
With oral hygiene comes the question of toothpaste and when it can be used once…
