What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

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.

A step-by-step guide to the dental cleaning process

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.

Oral examination

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.

Removal of plaque and tartar

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

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.

Advanced flossing

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.

Fluoride treatment

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.