What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleanings are one of the most common and simple dental procedures there are. However, being simple doesn't mean that they are not important. Quite the contrary. The general recommendation is that everyone should have a teeth cleaning twice a year to prevent tooth decay. You may think you don't need one because you strictly follow your dentist's recommendations, brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. However, there can still be some buildup of plaque and tartar that only a dentist or a dental hygienist can remove. So, if you haven't had a teeth cleaning in the last 6 months, don't think twice before scheduling an appointment at a dental clinic in Longmont. In this article, you will learn what to expect during this procedure.

First look

The first thing your dentist or oral hygienist will do is examine your teeth. They will use a very small mirror that lets them see the parts of your teeth that can't be seen from the front. This is done to look for any problematic areas, such as areas with gingivitis and to identify the areas with the most tartar buildup. Doing this allows them to see if it is fine to go on with the procedure or if any other steps should be taken before.

X-rays

In some cases, dentists as part of a regular check-up, take X-rays of the patient's teeth and mouth. The purpose of these X-rays is to identify any problems that are not visible at plain sight, and that could cause some trouble in the future, like bone loss, impacted wisdom teeth, gum disease, etc.

Plaque and tartar

Once a dentist near you confirms that there are no other problems, they will start the actual teeth cleaning. During this process, they will use a small mirror as a guide, and a scaler. This instrument is used to remove the plaque and tartar between your teeth and around your gum line. Removing it is important because plaque and tartar are the cause of cavities and gum disease, so you should consider having a teeth cleaning near you as a preventive measure.

This part is the most uncomfortable for some people since you will hear scraping sounds caused by the scaler. Also, if you have gingivitis, your gums will probably bleed a bit. However, the level of discomfort you may experience will be very low.

Time to polish

After your dentist is done removing all the plaque and tartar, your teeth will be polished with an electric toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste that will remove any stains.

Floss like a pro

As part of your dental cleaning in Longmont, your dentist will floss your teeth to remove any remaining plaque. During this process, you will also get some tips regarding your flossing technique and what areas you should pay the most attention to.

Final step: fluoride

The last part of a dental cleaning is getting a fluoride treatment. Your dentist will insert a mouthpiece filled with fluoride into your mouth that will help prevent any cavities in the future.