A dental cleaning procedure is a deep tooth cleaning procedure that ensures your oral and hygiene and protects you from dental diseases and infections. Generally, the process is between 30 to 60 minutes long and focuses on cleaning your teeth and gums. The dental cleaning process is used to remove the build-up of bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Your dentist will use the methods mentioned below to deep clean your gumlines, teeth, spaces between your teeth and tongue.
According to some periodontists, patients should have their teeth and gums cleaned professionally every six months. However, if this not possible, yearly dental cleanings are a must and should not be avoided.
Below, we have mentioned some of the things that you must expect during dental cleanings to give you a clear idea of the dental cleaning process.
Examination
The first step to any dental cleaning process is the thorough examination of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will ask you to open your mouth wide. A light beam will be directed over your mouth, and the dentist will use a handheld concave mirror to check the condition of your teeth and gums. In case you have cavities, plaque, or tartar build-up, or your gums are showing signs of inflammation, your dentist will recommend a deep dental cleaning process to remove the bacteria from your mouth before they can cause a serious periodontal disease like periodontitis.
Scaling
For some patients, scaling can be slightly painful. Dentists use a metal tool known as a scaler to remove plaque build-up, tartar, and food residue from the teeth, gumlines, and in between the teeth. The scaler is shaped like a small sharp hook that scrapes the teeth and gumlines. Sometimes, a dentist can also use an ultrasonic scaler if the plaque and tartar build-up is too hard and stubborn. An ultrasonic scaler uses vibration and water to remove and washout plaque and tartar.
Polishing and Flossing
The teeth are flossed and polished to remove stains and make the teeth appear whiter than before. Your dentist will use an electric tool and a mildly abrasive paste or gel to gently polish ad floss the surface of your teeth. During this process, patients may experience slight grinding or corrosion on their teeth, but this is only because the stained surface of the teeth is being polished to reveal the inner cleaner layer. Teeth are then flossed with a floss thread to remove plaque and residue from in between the teeth.
Fluoride Treatment
Some dentists even administer a fluoride treatment on their patients’ teeth. A fluoride treatment is used to mineralize the teeth and protect them against bacterial infections. A fluoride gel is squeezed into a mouthpiece, and the patient is required to wear the mouthpiece for a minute or two.
If you are considering getting your teeth cleaned professionally, visit us at Periodontal Associates. Dr. Eshraghi and Dr. McAllister can provide the best dental cleaning session to maintain your oral health and hygiene.
