Dental Cleanings: What to Expect

If you haven't been to the dentist in a long time or have never been to the dentist this guide is for you! A routine dental cleaning should take about thirty minutes to one hour. This guide will walk you through the procedure and give you the information on what to expect during a routine dental cleaning.

Dental cleanings are an important part of preventative dental care. Not only will it help you catch any dental problems early on but it will also promote good oral health. This is extremely important in preventing other diseases in the body such as heart disease. Your oral health directly reflects your overall health. Getting a dental cleaning should be a painless procedure.

A routine dental cleaning should take about thirty minutes to one hour. Most dentists recommend that you have a dental cleaning every six months. When you get your first dental cleaning it will likely be with the dentist but often times it can be done by a dental hygienist as well. Both are knowledgeable in dental cleanings and if there is ever any questions or problems the dentist will be referred to you. Your dental cleaning may or may not include getting xrays done to see if you have any cavities or abnormalities.

During your dental cleaning you can expect the dentist or hygienist to use several different tools to complete the cleaning. One tool is a polisher which will buff up the teeth and clean them with what is really a very high tech toothbrush! If you have tartar or plaque build up your dentist will use a scaling tool to scrape off any debris from your teeth or gum line. This is usually the most uncomfortable part in my experience but it should not be painful at all. Another tool that is used during a dental cleaning is a water pic like device that enables the dentist or hygienist to rinse away any debris during the cleaning. Some dentists may have you spit any excess fluids in a basin or they may use a vacuum like device to remove the fluid from the mouth during the cleaning.

Your dentist will discuss any dental work you may need done or any problems they might come across during the dental cleaning. Dentists are notorious for tight schedules though so don't expect to be able to have it done during a routine cleaning visit.

After your dental cleaning it is also wise to make your next dental cleaning appointment before leaving the office so you will likely return in a timely manner.