That smooth, clean feeling your teeth have after a visit to the dentist is great, and it’s one of those sensations that an at-home cleaning just can’t match, no matter how well you brush. Maybe it’s left you wondering what exactly happens during your appointment to make your smile feel so polished and bright.
A professional dental cleaning, like those you receive at Shin Dentistry, is a routine procedure performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. This type of cleaning is important for your overall oral health because it provides a level of care you just can’t get at home.
Why a Professional Teeth Cleaning Is Important
Even with consistent daily care, tiny areas in your mouth can be missed. Plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) can build up in these spots. If it’s not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed during a professional cleaning.
Keeping up with your regular dental exams and cleanings helps us tackle any emerging problems when they’re small and easier to treat. This simple visit helps prevent issues like cavities and gum disease from developing. Plus, your hygiene appointment can give you a brighter smile by taking care of stubborn stains.
A Step-by-Step Look at Your Appointment
Your comfort is a priority, and knowing what to expect can make your visit feel more relaxed. A typical cleaning appointment follows a few simple steps.
- The initial look: First, the hygienist can take a close look at your teeth and gums and note any areas the dentist may want to examine more closely. Using a small mirror, they carefully look at every surface to see if there are any obvious concerns to address during the cleaning.
- Plaque and tartar removal: Next, the hygienist can use special tools to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from your tooth surfaces and around your gum line.
- Polish, floss and rinse: Once your teeth are free of tartar, they get a polish. The hygienist uses a tool sort of like a powerful toothbrush to smooth the tooth surfaces and remove any remaining stains. After a professional flossing and a final rinse, your cleaning is complete.
Different Kinds of Dental Cleans
Not every mouth needs the same type of cleaning. Your dental team can recommend the right approach for your specific situation.
The Routine Clean
This is the standard cleaning for people with generally healthy teeth and gums. It’s a maintenance appointment designed to remove light plaque and surface stains, keeping your smile healthy and bright.
The Deeper Clean
If you have a greater amount of plaque and tartar buildup, usually with signs of gum disease, you may need a deeper clean, also known as scaling and root planing. This procedure focuses on thoroughly preparing your mouth for a return to a routine cleaning schedule.
Gum Health
For those managing gum conditions like gingivitis (a condition where your gums become inflamed), a maintenance clean may focus more on the areas below your gum line. This helps manage the problem and may require more than 1 visit to get your oral health back on track.
Common Questions About Teeth Cleaning
Does a Professional Cleaning Hurt?
For most people, a dental cleaning involves little to no discomfort. You might feel some minor pressure or scraping sensations depending on the tools used, but if you experience pain or if you have sensitive teeth, let our team know so we can make your experience as comfortable as possible.
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
A routine cleaning appointment is often completed in under an hour. If you need a deeper or more complex cleaning, the appointment may take a bit longer so your teeth receive the care they need. Our team always aims to let you know how long something will take so you can plan your day.
Keep Your Smile Healthy Between Visits
Your at-home care is just as important as your professional cleanings. To maintain that fresh feeling, remember to brush and floss daily. Following any specific advice from your dental team can also help address your unique needs.
Schedule Your Cleaning
Regular appointments are key to long-term oral health. When it’s time for your next checkup, our team at Shin Dentistry is here to help you and your family feel comfortable every step of the way. Schedule a visit today.
