What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning Appointment?
The value of professional teeth cleanings can’t be overstated. These routine oral services remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone can’t reach, reducing the risk of gingivitis, cavities, and infections that pass below the gumline. Furthermore, visits to the dental office can clear stains caused by tannins in foods like tea, coffee, berries, herbs, and spices.
In short, regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health issues. They should be a part of your annual routine—something you do every six months.
The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings
So, why do regular visits to an Idaho Falls family dentist matter so much?
The primary benefit is that regular teeth cleanings maintain your oral health. Plaque can sometimes lead to active infections, worsening bacterial load in the mouth. Removing lumps of plaque from hard-to-reach areas on and between teeth can reduce the risk of cavities (holes in teeth) and the chances of fillings and root canals. Furthermore, eliminating stubborn residues can reduce the risk of gum disease and stop bleeding after brushing. Professional removal of these substances from teeth surfaces can be highly effective.
Combined, these techniques cut the risk of bad breath, or “halitosis.” High-quality dentists, like us, use regular teeth cleanings as an opportunity to inspect the mouth for more serious conditions, including mouth cancer. Finding these problems early can improve health, reduce costs, and make treatment simpler in the long run.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning Appointment?
Understanding what happens during a teeth cleaning can help you feel more at ease about your visit.
Step 1: Initial exam
The first step is an initial examination of your teeth and gums for signs of cavities, infections, broken teeth, and other issues. During the exam, you will lie back in a chair, and a dentist or other dental professional will shine a bright light into your mouth. Your teeth may also be counted.
If there are suspected complications, like periodontitis or impacted wisdom teeth, an X-ray may be taken. These help them better characterize the mouth and detect issues below the gumline.
Step 2: Plaque and tartar removal
The next step is plaque and tartar removal, sometimes called “scaling.” Dentists and hygienists can use several methods in the scaling process, including:
- A high-powered abrasive tool that rubs plaque deposits off the teeth’s surfaces
- A pick that allows them to scrape away plaque and stains in hard-to-reach areas
Which approach your dentist or hygienist uses depends on their preferences and your requirements. Some work with picks alone, while others use powered implements, and some may use a combination. Any of these methods can be highly effective.
Step 3: Polish the teeth
Next, dentists may use a high-powered electric brush and gritty toothpaste to polish the teeth, removing surface stains. The process may feel funny to a patient, but manufacturers design brushes to prevent the implements from piercing the teeth or rubbing away any enamel.
Step 4: Flossing or interdental brushing
Sometimes, to clean between teeth, dentists will include flossing or interdental brushing during a teeth cleaning appointment. This aspect of the service helps to remove plaque and other deposits between teeth that brushing alone doesn’t reach.
Step 5: Rinsing
Patients may feel grittiness around their cheeks and tongue, which is the plaque that was just removed. Once cleaning is complete, your dentist or hygienist will invite you to rinse your mouth. If a patient spits blood, the dentist or hygienist can discuss with the patient if this is a symptom of ongoing gum disease or if it is nothing to worry about.
Step 6: Fluoride treatment
Finally, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatment. This procedure applies a varnish or foam to the teeth that slowly releases fluoride into the enamel over time, hardening it against bacterial acids. Research suggests that fluoride reduces the risk of cavities and remineralizes enamel.
Common Questions About Dental Cleanings
How long does a teeth cleaning take?
Teeth cleanings typically take between 30 and 60 minutes to carry out. However, the length of time you are in the chair depends on the condition of your teeth, the amount of plaque, and any staining. The more tartar in your mouth, the longer the treatment will last.
How often should you get your teeth cleaned?
You should get your teeth cleaned by a professional roughly every six months. Regular visits can reduce the risk of plaque building up to the point where it weakens tooth enamel or starts sinking below the gumline.
If you follow a low- or no-sugar diet, you may be able to get cleanings less frequently. However, always consult with your dentist regarding the frequency of dental appointments.
More frequent cleanings may be necessary if you are prone to cavities and gum disease. Dental visits are often prophylactic, meaning they can prevent the need for additional treatment later on.
Are teeth cleanings covered by my insurance?
Your insurer will usually cover your teeth cleanings but may limit the frequency (i.e., provide two cleanings per year but no more). Therefore, always check your policy and read the fine print.
If you don’t have automatic additional coverage, call your insurance provider. Sometimes, they will grant additional teeth cleanings if your dentist recommends them. These treatments may help prevent costlier treatment later on.
If you aren’t covered by insurance, Family Dental Health Center offers multiple payment methods, including care credit, in-house financing, and special payment plans, which allow you to spread the cost to make payments more manageable.
Professional Teeth Cleaning Near Me
Ultimately, professional teeth cleanings are a simple but critical step in maintaining oral health. Experts recommend sessions every six months in most cases. Sessions typically last around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your oral health.
Do you need a dental cleaning? If so, book your appointment today. Schedule your next cleaning at Family Dental Health Center.