What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

When was the last time you had your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist? Even if you keep up with an at-home oral care routine, it’s still important to attend dental cleanings on a regular basis—dentists generally recommend two checkups each year, although that advice may vary from one patient to another.

If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, you may be a little fuzzy on exactly what the process involves. Below, we explain what you can expect during your next dental appointment.

We’ll Perform an Examination

During your dental cleaning, we’ll carefully examine your mouth for signs of various oral health issues, such as:

• Broken teeth
• Cavities
• Gum (periodontal) disease
• Infections
• Oral cancer
• Tooth decay

We’ll Clean Your Teeth

We generally begin the dental cleaning process by using special instruments to remove any plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth and along your gums since your last visit. Plaque is a clear or yellowish film that forms on the teeth, and if it’s not removed by brushing or flossing, it can harden into tartar (also known as “calculus”).

Once we’ve removed the plaque and tartar from your mouth, we’ll use an electric toothbrush and a special toothpaste to thoroughly clean your teeth. The paste will likely be grittier than the type you use at home. Then, we’ll floss between your teeth and have you rinse out your mouth. In some cases, we may also recommend a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth against cavities.

We’ll Answer Your Questions

Have you been experiencing tooth sensitivity whenever you eat or drink something that’s especially hot or cold? Do you find it difficult to floss between certain teeth, like the molars at the back of your mouth? Are you thinking about undergoing teeth whitening or another type of cosmetic treatment? A dental cleaning is the perfect opportunity to ask your dentist any questions you might have concerning your oral health.

What About X-Rays?

Dentists generally recommend that patients undergo dental X-rays at least once per year. X-rays allow them to examine the areas that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as the teeth roots, nerves, jawbones, and sinuses. If your dentist recommends that you have X-rays completed at your next dental cleaning, they’ll place a lead apron over your chest, guide you into the correct position, and then press a button to take the images. It’s important that you hold still while the X-rays are being taken to produce the best possible results.

Where to Go for Dental Cleanings Near You

If you’re due for a dental cleaning, you’ll need to find a reputable dentist. Fortunately, if you’re in Sun City, Sun City West, Litchfield Park, or the surrounding area, you can entrust your care to the skilled professionals at Burns Dentistry. Contact us today to schedule your dental cleaning, and be sure to ask about the other general and cosmetic dentistry services we offer for patients in your area.