What to Expect During a Teeth Cleaning
We recommend that you receive a teeth cleaning at least every 6 months. During your appointment, we’ll examine your teeth and gums. We may also take X-rays depending on how long it’s been since we took the last ones.
During the actual dental cleaning itself, we remove plaque and tartar—the main causes of many oral health issues.
Here’s what else you can expect during your next teeth cleaning with Hometown Dental
Initial Examination
First, one of our dental hygienists will examine the inside of your mouth. If they detect any serious issues with your teeth or gums, they’ll flag down one of our dentists for further instruction. Otherwise, they’ll move onto the next step.
Dental X-Rays
If it’s been awhile since your last X-rays, we may need to take new ones to determine if there have been any changes to your teeth, jawbone, and other oral structures. For example, patients who wear dentures may experience bone loss in the jaw over time.
There are different types of dental X-rays, the most common being bitewings. Bitewing X-rays show your teeth above the gum line and the height of the bone between teeth. This allows us to detect gum disease and cavities between teeth.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Your hygienist will use a dental tool called a scaler to gently scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth.
Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and gums. After you eat, the bacteria eat any leftover sugar and produce an acid that erodes enamel and attacks your gums. If left untreated, plaque will harden into tartar and cause issues like cavities and gum disease.
You can remove plaque at home by brushing and flossing every day. But only a dental professional will be able to remove tartar. That’s why it’s essential that you get a teeth cleaning at least every 6 months or as directed by your dentist.
Teeth Polishing
Next, the hygienist will need to polish your teeth. We offer a variety of tooth polish flavors, such as mint, for you to choose from.
The polish has a gritty texture, which helps remove any residual tartar. It’ll also help your teeth feel smooth and clean after your appointment.
Once you make your selection, the hygienist will use a high-powered brush to polish your teeth. Then, she’ll have you rinse with water.
Flossing
After you rinse, your hygienist will floss between your teeth. This is an important step to remove any bacteria that’s still hiding in your mouth. It also gives the hygienist a chance to see if you have bleeding gums—a common sign of gingivitis.
Examination By a Dentist
Once the teeth cleaning is done, one of our dentists will be with you shortly. They’ll examine the inside of your mouth and any X-rays we may have taken during your appointment.
If the dentist detects any issues, they’ll diagnose the condition and recommend an appropriate course of treatment to restore your oral health.
Our dentists can also counsel you on the best way to practice oral hygiene at home so you can maintain a healthy smile between appointments.
Your dentist would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
After that, you’ll be all set! As a final step, we’ll prompt you to schedule your next appointment with us, which is typically 6 months out.
Request an Appointment With Us
Our family dentists in Canton, MI, are dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy smile for life. As such, they offer teeth cleanings, dental exams, and other preventive dental services. To schedule an appointment, call Hometown Dental at (734) 667-4941. You may also fill out our online contact form.