Dental Cleanings
Beginning with an Exam
During your dental exam, the dentist or hygienist will start by checking for any signs of cavities, misalignment, gum disease, and other dental issues. The patient may also be evaluated on whether or not they are at risk of developing oral health issues, which involves checking the face, neck, and mouth for abnormalities. Thereafter, dental x-rays will be taken and reviewed by the dentist for any signs of issues that may not be detected on the surface.
Removing Plaque, Tartar, and Stains
Your dental hygienist will be the one performing a deep cleaning on your teeth. Specialized tools will be used to help get deep into your gums and teeth. They also have special tools to remove plaque and tartar build up. These substances can frequently build up on your teeth and are not easily removed with regular brushing and flossing. For this reason, it is important to visit your dentist every 6 months to receive this type of cleaning as it helps patients avoid tooth decay and other dental ailments. While toothbrushes and floss cannot remove the plaque or tartar, consistently brushing and flossing can prevent it from building up in the first place.
Your dental hygienist will also perform some professional flossing. Sometimes we floss but are not flossing exactly how we should be flossing. Your hygienist will perform a quick lesson and flossing treatment to get out any residue left untouched.
Polish
Once your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, your dental hygienist will polish your teeth using a gritty toothpaste like substance. It will leave the surface of your teeth looking clean and smooth while also removing stains and plaque accumulation.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a substance that not only fights cavities but helps protect your teeth. Fluoride treatments are typically optional and come in the form of gel in mouth trays. Those trays are inserted into your mouth and cover your teeth for a period of time, determined by your hygienist.
These steps are standard for most dental practices when it comes to offering dental cleanings, however, each dental office is different. There may be additional services or steps offered to the patient depending on their situation. This can vary for a whole number of reasons, everything from your insurance to your personal oral health needs.