A cleaning appointment for professional teeth cleaning is a standard procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. This preventive measure is essential in maintaining a healthy smile and overall dental health.
What is a Professional Dental Cleaning?
Usually, a dental hygienist performs a professional dental cleaning to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly. It involves a physical examination of the entire mouth, removal of plaque and tartar, teeth polishing, thorough flossing, and fluoride treatment. This teeth cleaning process is crucial in preventing serious oral health issues like cavities and gum disease.
Advantages of Dental Cleanings
Professional teeth cleaning has many benefits. Regular cleanings can help prevent bad breath by removing harmful bacteria from teeth surfaces. It also improves whole-body health, helping reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Preventive dental care, such as dental cleanings, can save time, worry, and money in the long run by stopping issues before they start.
Professional Dental Cleaning Types
Depending on your oral health status, different types of professional cleanings may be recommended by your dentist.
Regular Dental Cleaning
A regular dental cleaning, or prophylaxis cleaning, is typically scheduled twice a year. This type of cleaning focuses on the surface stains and plaque buildup on the teeth and along the gum line.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning (periodontal maintenance cleaning) is essential for those who have advanced gum disease or have undergone treatment for periodontal disease. This type of cleaning is more extensive than prophylaxis cleaning and uses specific procedures to manage the progression of gum disease. The dental professional may need to clean the tooth roots and deep pockets in the gum tissue to remove plaque and tartar, a process known as scaling and root planing.
Debridement
When there is a heavy buildup of plaque and tartar, a debridement cleaning may be necessary. Debridement is a type of deep cleaning that uses specialized tools and techniques to remove large amounts of plaque and tartar deposits. This procedure is often necessary before a regular cleaning can be performed, as the buildup can prevent the dental professional from thoroughly examining and cleaning the teeth.
What is Included in a Routine Dental Cleaning?
Routine dental cleaning Kendall is a comprehensive process that includes several steps to ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and your oral health is assessed.
Evaluation by the Dentist
The first step of the cleaning process is a thorough inspection of your entire mouth. During your dental cleaning appointment, the dental hygienist or dentist will utilize a dental mirror to examine your teeth and gums for any possible signs of inflammation or other underlying issues. This visual exam allows the dental professional to identify any areas of concern that may need special attention during the cleaning process or in future dental appointments.
Removing Plaque and Tartar Buildup
The next step is removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gum line. The dental professional will use a handheld instrument, such as a dental scaler or ultrasonic instrument, to scrape off plaque and tartar. The amount of buildup will determine how long this process takes. If there’s a lot of tartar buildup or if the patient’s oral health care is poor, this could take 45 minutes or more.
Polishing Teeth
After all the tartar is removed, the teeth are polished. The dental professional uses a high-powered electric brush and a gritty, prophylaxis paste to remove any leftover plaque and polish the teeth to a beautiful shine. This process not only provides cosmetic benefits but also helps to smooth the tooth surfaces, making it harder for plaque to accumulate before your next dental visit.
Fluoride Treatment
The final step in the cleaning process is a fluoride treatment. The dental professional will apply a foamy gel or a fluoride varnish to your teeth to protect them against cavities for several months. After a fluoride treatment, it’s recommended to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking to allow the fluoride to seal around the teeth. This preventive treatment is a key aspect of maintaining a healthy smile.
X-Rays
Dentists use X-rays to assess various aspects of your oral health that may not be visible during a standard clinical examination. These X-rays can help detect issues like cavities, gum disease, impacted teeth, and abnormalities in the jaw and bone structure. However, x-rays might not necessarily be taken at each visit. Their frequency and necessity may vary depending on your oral health needs.
Discussion on Oral Hygiene Tips and Home Care
After the fluoride treatment, your dental professional will provide you with oral hygiene tips and home care advice. This may include demonstrating correct brushing and flossing techniques, discussing the importance of a balanced diet for oral health, and recommending oral care products. Regular brushing and flossing, coupled with routine dental cleanings, can help prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.
What is Not Typically Included in a Dental Cleaning?
While a dental cleaning covers many areas, there are certain procedures that are typically not included. For example, fillings, root canals, and extractions. If the dentist identifies any potential issues during the visual exam, a separate appointment may be scheduled for these procedures. Advanced periodontitis treatment, cosmetic services, and sedation dentistry options are also not usually part of a routine dental cleaning appointment.
What is the Typical Duration of a Dental Cleaning?
A standard teeth cleaning Kendall session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. However, the duration can vary depending on the patient’s oral health. If there’s a lot of tartar buildup or if the patient’s oral health care is poor, the cleaning could take longer. Additional time may also be needed for x-rays, oral cancer screenings, or discussing potential issues and treatment plans.
LIFE CHANGING DENTISTRY
Dr. Gaertner brings together a team of dental professionals who deliver exceptional, precise, and comprehensive patient care with the highest standards for quality and safety.
How to Prepare for Your Dental Cleaning Appointment
Before your dental cleaning appointment, it’s important to maintain your regular oral care routine of brushing and flossing. If you have any oral health concerns or medical changes, including medicines, be ready to discuss them with your dental professional. You may also want to confirm your appointment a day or two in advance and arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.
Ready for Your Dental Cleaning?
Keeping up with regular dental cleanings is an essential aspect of preserving a healthy, bright smile, and warding off any potential oral health problems. Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to schedule your next teeth cleaning appointment at Bliss Dental by contacting us or calling 305-274-6500. Remember, preventive dental care, such as dental cleanings, can save you time, worry, and money in the long run by stopping issues before they start.
