What to Expect When a Family Dentist Cleans Your Teeth

Routine dental cleanings by a family dentist are essential for maintaining excellent oral health. Although it is crucial for patients to practice good oral hygiene daily at home, regular visits to a family dental practice allow for a more thorough tooth cleaning than patients can achieve on their own. Knowing what to expect before visiting the dentist for a cleaning can help ease any concerns a patient may have about the process.

Visiting a family dentist for a cleaning

Although most people know that regularly scheduled dental visits, usually twice a year, are important to dental health, for some individuals it has been a while since the teeth were professionally examined. For those patients, it may be helpful to learn what a typical cleaning visit entails.

Examination

The first step in the dental cleaning process is an examination. This inspection is usually performed by a dental hygienist. The hygienist looks for areas of concern, such as swollen or bleeding gums or dark spots on the teeth that could indicate a cavity. X-rays may be taken during the initial inspection to provide further information. Any areas of concern are noted so they can be addressed during the cleaning and evaluated by the dentist.

Plaque removal

Before the teeth are flossed and brushed, the hygienist removes hardened plaque with special tools. Even patients with excellent oral hygiene compliance still experience plaque buildup over time. Hardened plaque becomes tartar, which is difficult to remove without the help of a professional using a scaler. Once the plaque and tartar are removed, the teeth can be properly cleaned.

Cleaning and polishing

The actual cleaning process involves the use of a flavored toothpaste that has a gritty texture. The dental hygienist uses this abrasive paste to polish the teeth and remove stains, bacteria, and any other remaining debris. The teeth are then rinsed and floss is used to remove any particles trapped between the teeth.

Fluoride

Some patients choose to have fluoride treatments after the teeth have been polished. These treatments provide a protective barrier that strengthens tooth enamel. The extra layer of protection helps fight tooth decay between dental cleanings. Not all patients choose to have a fluoride treatment, and the dentist can make a recommendation or determine if it is necessary.

Discussion

Any concerns that arose during the examination or cleaning are discussed with the family dentist so a plan of care can be made. For example, if cavities or gum disease are discovered, the dentist recommends a course of treatment. Patients also receive at-home dental hygiene advice, such as what type of toothbrush and toothpaste to use and what brushing techniques can lead to an improved outcome.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist in Scottsdale, AZ

Conclusion

Knowing what to expect before visiting a family dentist helps patients prepare for the visit. Although individual circumstances dictate the exact steps, a similar process is followed for the majority of patients when it comes to routine dental cleanings. Such cleanings are an important part of total dental care, though they are not a substitute for at-home daily oral hygiene efforts.

Request an appointment or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at 480-439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Recent Posts

Tips For Taking Your Kids To A Family Dentist

Taking young children to the family dentist can be overwhelming at times, especially because they are more prone to dental fear and anxiety. However, dental care is essential for children, just as it is for adults, and should start at a very young age. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist as…

Ask A Family Dentist: What Is An Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth can occur for a variety of reasons, and most require prompt treatment from a family dentist. It is important to understand what an abscessed tooth is, what the early symptoms are and how a family dentist might treat an abscessed tooth to be able to recognize the concern when it develops and…

4 Questions To Ask When Choosing A Family Dentist

Are you looking for a family dentist? Read on to learn what questions you should ask before selecting a family dentist. A consultation visit with a family dentist offers a way to learn more about the dental practice you are considering and see if they and their dental team are a good fit for what…

Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Share
Published by
Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Recent Posts

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

Whitening patients' teeth involves a simple procedure that a dentist can perform in one visit…

22 hours ago

The FAQs of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can relax you as your dentist works on your gums and teeth.

2 days ago

Your Tooth Replacement Options

If you are looking to replace one or more missing teeth, there are several tooth…

1 week ago

What Is an Implant Dentist and How Can They Help You?

There are many different types of dental specialists, but if you are looking for one…

1 week ago

How an Implant Dentist Can Treat Peri-Implantitis

Peri-implantitis is a painful condition that affects the dental implant site. If left untreated, the…

2 weeks ago

What Your Dentist Wants You to Know About Dental Implant Aftercare

If you are considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, you might want to talk…

2 weeks ago