Caring for our oral hygiene is one of the life habits we should learn and practice as early as possible. In fact, dentists recommend introducing a child’s teeth cleaning regimen as soon as the first tooth appears. Even though this will help you tremendously to have a brilliant, healthy smile, don’t forget that you will still need two to three professional teeth cleanings per year. This informative post will examine the elements of a professional teeth cleaning appointment.
First Stage: Examination
As with any medical procedure, teeth cleaning begins with an examination. The dentist needs to establish the actual condition of your teeth. Here’s what you can expect at this stage of the procedure:
One of the most important parts of a professional cleaning, this is usually the first step. Your hygienist will use a concave mirror and/or x-rays to check for cavities, plaque, and other issues. Even if you have no cavities or serious issues, this step helps the hygienist know what to focus on during cleaning.
Sometimes your dentist will also come in post-cleaning for a secondary exam, and may recommend other procedures as a result. Make sure you let them know about any discomfort or pain during the cleaning, as these can be indicators of underlying dental issues. Read more at Klooster Family Dentistry…
You’ll do well to communicate with your dentist if you have noticed anything strange about your teeth. That way, the dentist will know what to look for during the examination.
Second Stage: Scaling
This is basically the crux of the matter as far as professional teeth cleaning is concerned. Dental scaling gets rid of tartar, which is solidified plaque. The following is a description of what to expect during the procedure:
When scaling teeth, dentists normally use an electric scaling instrument, sometimes called an ultrasonic scaler. This vibrates at high speeds to loosen tartar on the teeth. It also sprays water to wash the debris away, so you might be asked to spit from time to time.
Once the electronic scaler has removed larger pieces of tartar on teeth, the dentist will use hand scaling tools in a variety of shapes and sizes. They scrape away any remaining tartar, with the different shaped tools making it possible to reach between the teeth and into gum pockets. Read more at Dentaly…
Once the tartar is removed, you are likely to notice that your teeth feel rough. The third stage of your teeth cleaning procedure takes care of this.
Third Stage: Polishing
Although it can be a stand-alone procedure, polishing is typically the final step in the professional teeth cleaning process. The following post has more on it:
Dr. Linhart says there are two primary ways that standard polishing can be done. “[The first] is with a slow speed dental drill and a rubber cup. The cup is dipped in a slightly abrasive polishing paste and used to clean and polish the teeth.”
Linhart prefers to use what he calls “a blasting type of device loaded with baking soda powder” at his practice.
“This type of polishing is most effective at getting into the cracks and crevices in and between teeth. The baking soda is not abrasive and won’t wear away teeth enamel.” Read more at Healthline…
Expert cleaning in a dentist’s office is the only way to truly effectively deal with plaque and tartar. Contact Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne today about teeth cleaning. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you, or answer any questions you may have. Call 704-541-9888 or use the contact form on our website to set your appointment.
