Guide to an In Office Professional Dental Cleaning

Regular dental cleaning is necessary and more than just a routine. Plaque and tartar can damage the teeth and gums if they remain there for too long. This is why dental professionals recommend visiting a dental office for teeth cleaning at least twice in a year. This article describes what happens when you go for an in-office professional dental cleaning.

The professional teeth cleaning process

The procedure, handled by a dentist or dental hygienist, focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and stains that have built up on the teeth and gums. Even with a daily habit of brushing and flossing, tartar can form. Undergoing professional cleaning of the teeth is a vital aspect of proper oral hygiene and is required to maintain the health of the gums and teeth. The procedure is advisable because it prevents the occurrence of oral diseases like cavities and gum disease, as well as improves the appearance of one’s smile.

Before the next cleaning appointment, good oral hygiene at home is necessary to prevent plaque buildup. Here is what to expect during a professional dental cleaning:

Inspection

Before beginning the process, the dentist will use a dental mirror that functions as a magnifying glass to detect areas of the teeth and gums containing plaque and tartar. The dentist will focus on these areas specifically.

Cleaning process

The dentist may use an ultrasonic device to loosen the plaque and tartar. The frequency of the vibration generated by the device is adjusted to the patient’s comfort level. Afterward, the dentist will use a scraper to remove the accumulated debris of calculus from around the teeth and gums. This may sound scary, but there is no need for concern. The dentist will make the patient as comfortable as possible, and the procedure is more often inconvenient than painful.

The dental professional will then smooth the teeth with a dental scaler. After completing the process, the mouth will be rinsed carefully to remove any tartar remnant that may be remaining after the scraping.

Professional brushing and flossing.

The dentist will use a mildly abrasive toothpaste with a powered toothbrush to clean the teeth properly. The brushing will be thorough to remove any existing germ in the oral cavity. Professional flossing will also be done to clean between the teeth.

After this, the dentist may decide to provide a fluoride treatment. These are often available in different flavors for patients to choose from. The dentist will apply the fluoride to the teeth and allow it to linger there for about a minute before asking the patient to spit it out. The fluoride application has two purposes: to protect the teeth from the harmful effects of plaque and to make the teeth look shiny.

In conclusion

Professional dental cleaning is important for oral health. Dentists recommend undergoing the procedure at least twice yearly to prevent plaque and tartar from causing oral issues. If you have not had a dental cleaning in a while, it is time to book an appointment with the dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at (505) 634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

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