The process of dental cleaning is relatively painless and straightforward. Below, we enlighten you on what to expect during this process to ease your anxiety.
Procedure
The first step is a dental exam. The dentist will check your teeth and gums for signs of illnesses such as gingivitis, gum disease, tooth decay, or more significant concerns such as oral cancer signs. The examination will also include dental radiographs.
The next step after a dental exam is the removal of tartar and plaque using a scaler. The more concentrated the tartar and residue is in an area, the more time will be taken to properly clean the area. Brushing and flossing regularly helps to stop plaque from building into tartar that only the dental hygienist can remove.
After scaling, the hygienist will continue to the polishing stage. Using a high-powered electric toothbrush, the specialist will brush to remove any leftover plaque or staining. The toothpaste used is just like regular toothpaste but more coarse and gritty.
The next step is flossing. Our dental hygienist will get in the crevices that you usually do not reach when cleaning your teeth at home and help remove any leftover plaque or toothpaste. Lastly, the dental hygienist paints fluoride varnish over your teeth. This varnish hardens when it comes into contact with saliva, which is crucial because it will allow you to drink and eat.
Apart from the steps outlined above, the dentist may take further steps depending on your oral health. The dentist may recommend that you come for dental exams twice or more times a year. Ensure that you follow these guidelines as regular dental check-ups can help detect any changes or even oral cancer in the long-term. The dentist will likely recommend x-rays once annually.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
Usually, this process should not hurt. However, you may feel slight discomfort and minimal sensitivity. If the process is painful, it could be because:
- It has been a long time since your last dental cleaning
- You have dental sensitivity issues, possibly due to caries or periodontal disease
- Temporomandibular disorders that cause jaw pain.
Care after the Procedure
This procedure is essential to prevent dental health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. So how do you ensure that your mouth stays healthy after the procedure?
- Brush your teeth: Brushing at least twice daily is common knowledge.
- Regular dental flossing. Apart from brushing your teeth, it would be best to floss after eating to remove any food residue where your toothbrush would not reach, avoid sugary and hard foods that can cause your teeth to break down.
- Visit the dentist regularly. As part of your oral health routine, you should visit the dentist regularly. During these visits, the dentist carries out an exam to help you know if you are experiencing any gum-related health problems. Make sure you visit for the different exams including x-rays, as this will help get rid of any health problems that may be on the teeth or gums.
Call For Same Day Appointment!