How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
Has it been a while since your last visit to the dentist? You may be overdue for a professional dental cleaning. Getting your teeth cleaned by a dental professional is one of the most important parts of a routine dental visit. Below is more information about why dental cleanings are important and how long you can expect them to take.
Why are Professional Cleanings Important?
The goal of a professional dental cleaning performed by a certified dental hygienist is to remove plaque, hardened tartar, and any stains that have accumulated on the teeth. Even if you are diligent about daily brushing and flossing, plaque can still build up and eventually develop into tartar.
Receiving a professional cleaning from a dental hygienist is a critical part of maintaining good oral hygiene and healthy teeth and gums. Most dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every 6-12 months to help prevent the progression of gum disease.
What Do They Do During a Dental Cleaning?
Regular dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar deposits that build up on teeth over time, even with routine brushing and flossing. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on the teeth and contains millions of bacteria that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Tartar is the hardened, calcified form of plaque that builds up on the teeth and contributes to tooth decay.
During a professional cleaning, hygienists use specialized instruments designed to gently remove plaque and tartar without damaging the teeth. The hygienist will typically begin by removing the larger tartar deposits. Once this step is completed, they switch to finer handheld instruments designed to remove smaller deposits and smooth the surfaces of the teeth. The hygienist works tooth by tooth, scaling or lightly scraping the surface of the tooth to ensure that all plaque and tartar deposits are removed.
Once the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, the hygienist will polish the teeth using prophylaxis paste, a gritty toothpaste-like solution that helps to create a shiny, smooth surface. In some cases, the hygienist may also apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the teeth and protect them against future plaque and tartar buildup and tooth decay.
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
In general, most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes and one hour. Before beginning the procedure, the hygienist will explain their plan and cleaning process and make sure you are comfortable in the dental chair. Do not hesitate to communicate with your hygienist about anything that may help you feel more comfortable during the appointment. Open communication can help make the cleaning process as smooth and painless as possible.
After the cleaning is complete, you may notice that your teeth feel smoother and look brighter. While this cosmetic improvement is a nice bonus, the primary purpose of a professional dental cleaning is to help prevent and treat periodontal disease and maintain optimal long-term oral health.
For more information about what happens during a routine dental cleaning, consider calling your dental office and asking to speak with your hygienist. They will answer your questions and help you feel more prepared for your next appointment.
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