A regular dental cleaning is vital for maintaining optimal oral health. While many people understand the importance of these appointments, the specifics of what happens during dental cleanings may remain a bit mysterious.
In this review, we discuss the procedure of a typical dental cleaning, providing insight into the process and highlighting its significance in preventive oral care.
A patient's dental cleaning journey begins with a warm greeting from the dental hygienist or dental assistant. Before the cleaning, they may conduct a brief assessment, checking for any changes in medical history, oral health concerns, or medication updates.
Dental X-rays may be taken to get a comprehensive view of the patient's oral health. X-rays can reveal hidden issues, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, or impacted wisdom teeth. However, not everyone requires X-rays during every cleaning, and the frequency depends on individual factors and the dentist's recommendation.
The dental professional will conduct a thorough visual examination of the patient's mouth, gums, and teeth. They will look for signs of gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, and other potential concerns. This visual inspection is crucial for identifying issues that may require further attention.
One of the primary goals of a dental cleaning is the removal of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth, and when it hardens, it becomes tartar or calculus. Specialized tools, including a scaler, are used to carefully remove these deposits from the surfaces of the teeth, especially in areas that may be difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing.
Following plaque and tartar removal, the dental hygienist uses a high-powered electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste to do a thorough teeth cleaning. This process cleans and polishes the teeth and helps remove any residual plaque or stains.
Flossing is an integral part of a dental cleaning. The dental professional will carefully floss between the teeth to remove any plaque or debris that may be lodged in those tight spaces. This step contributes to preventing cavities and gum disease in areas where a toothbrush may not reach effectively.
Depending on the patient's oral health needs, the dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. This treatment often entails applying gel, foam, or varnish to the teeth.
Once the cleaning is complete, the dental professional may take the time to discuss their findings with the patient. This could include recommendations for improving their oral hygiene routine, advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques, and insights into any potential issues that they observed during the cleaning.
Based on the cleaning results and any additional findings, the dentist may recommend follow-up treatments, such as fillings, periodontal therapy, or further diagnostic procedures. They will also discuss the recommended frequency for the next dental cleaning, which is typically every six months for those with good oral health.
If it has been more than six months since your last cleaning, do not hesitate to contact us. We can schedule a time for your next cleaning, along with a thorough inspection of your oral health overall.
Get more information here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning in Portland, OR.
Wondering if a dental cleaning helps prevent gum disease? Preventive dentistry, including routine dental cleanings, is essential to having a healthy mouth because it helps patients avoid cavities, enamel wear, and gum disease. Therefore, regular dental cleanings are crucial to a dental patient's oral health.Signing up for a dental cleaning on a regular basis is…
Regular dental cleaning maintains or improves your oral health. For example, dentists include routine deep cleaning in long-term treatment plans for patients who live with gum disease. Dental cleaning is also important for smokers who have otherwise healthy teeth. This piece goes over the routine for dental cleaning.Dental practices prefer to offer first-line treatment rather…
A dental cleaning is a simple and non-invasive dental procedure in which plaque and tartar accumulation is scaled away and the teeth and gum line are thoroughly cleaned and polished. There are several notable benefits of this preventive dental procedure that patients should understand. The benefits of dental cleaning include the ability to brighten and clean…
The importance of a dental exam often gets ignored. It can be easy to skip check-up appointments as life can get busy and most individuals think that at-home oral hygiene is enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, this misconception is far from the truth. Dental exams give general dentists the opportunity to look at…
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on studying, diagnosing, and treating issues that affect the gums and the bone structures that support teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading dental problem that periodontics focuses on.Periodontal disease is an infection of gum tissues caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar getting below the gum…
As you will discover, there are many differences between an endodontist and a general dentist. Seeing the right dental professional is the first step to taking good care of your teeth. Keep in mind that some general dentists perform the same procedures as an endodontist. However, not all do.The easiest way to think of an…