What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

Dental Cleaning And Examinations Bowie, MD

Wondering what happens when getting a dental cleaning? Preventive dentistry is important when it comes to caring for one's teeth in order to keep them healthy. One form of preventive dentistry includes routine dental cleanings.

About dental cleanings

Many people who have never undergone a professional dental cleaning want to know what to expect. This way, they are more likely to feel comfortable when undergoing the process. Dental cleanings not only help keep teeth clean to prevent gum disease, but they also allow one's teeth to feel smoother and look brighter.

What happens during dental cleanings

Here is what dental patients can expect to happen while undergoing a professional dental cleaning.

Oral examination

Before a patient undergoes the actual process of having their teeth professionally cleaned, they will need to undergo an examination of their mouth. This is necessary in order to look for any oral problems that may be taking place. Examples include swollen gums, dark spots on the teeth and a buildup of plaque. This examination is necessary because it helps the dental professional be aware of any additional areas they need to focus on.

Scraping

After the examination has been completed, the dental professional will then use special dental tools in order to scrape away any plaque or tartar buildup from the surface of the teeth. How much buildup a patient has will determine how long it will take to remove all the plaque from their teeth. The scraping process does not cause any pain and is an essential part of every routine dental cleaning.

Polishing

Once all the plaque and tartar have been removed from the surfaces of the patient's teeth, the teeth are then professionally polished. Polishing the teeth not only helps smooth the teeth out, but it also helps get rid of any harmful bacteria and any extrinsic stains that are present. Because there are different types of tooth polishing services available, such as therapeutic polishing, patients can ask their dentist what type of tooth polishing that they use.

Patients may also be in need of fluoride treatment, which helps protect the teeth from decay. Since decay leads to cavities, undergoing fluoride treatments helps reduce a patient's chances of getting cavities.

Bottom line

When someone is in need of a dental cleaning and knows what to expect, they likely will feel comfortable while undergoing the process and will be sure to make routine cleaning appointments on a regular basis. A dental cleaning typically only takes between 30 and 60 minutes to perform. For patients who experience any level of dental anxiety, it is important for them to let their dental professional know so they can better treat them.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning in Bowie, MD.

 

Recent Posts

3 Signs You May Need A Dental Deep Cleaning

A dental deep cleaning is an in-depth cleaning procedure that is typically done by a dentist who offers periodontal services. These cleanings are called "deep cleanings" because they go much deeper beneath the soft tissues than a traditional cleaning would. During a dental deep cleaning, a general dentist will scrape beneath the gum tissues and…

Why Is An X-ray Sometimes Included In A Teeth Cleaning?

A professional teeth cleaning is a necessary part of general dentistry care, but there are other important components, such as X-rays and examinations. X-rays are essential for a number of reasons, although they are not required nearly as often as routine teeth cleanings. Keep reading to find out more about the importance of X-rays. Below is…

How Many Types Of Professional Dental Cleanings Are Available?

A dental cleaning from a professional helps individuals of all ages to maintain good oral health. There are different dental cleanings that may be required, based on the patient's health history as well as any risks that pose a threat to oral health. General dentists can perform evaluations to determine what type of cleanings are…

Am I Overdue For A Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a vital part of maintaining good oral health. Nonetheless, many individuals still skip their dental cleanings due to a busy schedule or feeling confident that oral hygiene is under control. At-home oral hygiene is a great way to maintain good oral health; however, the help of a professional general dentist is…

Recent Posts

How To Care For New Dentures

How To Care For New Dentures

If you are looking for dentures, it is essential to know how to care for them properly. They can be expensive, and not everyone has the budget to keep them fresh with regular visits to the dentist.Learning about denture hygiene will help ensure that they stay clean and comfortable while fighting plaque buildup and tartar…

When Would A Dentist Recommend Dental Veneers?

When Would A Dentist Recommend Dental Veneers?

If you desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, dental veneers are options that you should consider. Veneers are thin, customizable shells created to cover the front sides of the teeth. A dentist will often suggest this option when there are imperfections on the teeth, some of which are covered in this article. Continue reading to…