Undergoing a professional dental exam and cleaning at least twice a year is one of the best ways to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other oral health problems. Despite these benefits, for nearly 73% of American adults with dental anxiety, even a routine checkup can feel intimidating.
Our experienced team at Willow Glen Dental Center in San Jose, California, understands and has created this guide to walk you through it. Here is what you can expect during your teeth-cleaning appointment so you can prepare and feel more confident.
Here’s what to expect during your professional dental cleaning:
Before your cleaning begins, your dental hygienist or dentist reviews your dental records and asks whether you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as tooth pain or sensitivity. They then visually inspect your teeth and gums and use a small, circular mirror to check for gum inflammation, cavities, and oral abscesses.
This pre-cleaning process helps us identify any potential concerns, so we can make sure it’s safe to proceed.
Next, your dental hygienist uses hand-held tools, such as a scaler or ultrasonic debrider, to remove plaque and tartar from beneath your gums and between your teeth.
Plaque is a film of food particles, bacteria, and saliva that forms after meals and snacks. It’s relatively easy to remove because it hasn’t yet cemented itself to your teeth. Tartar forms when plaque hardens. It’s made of the same material as plaque, but is harder to remove.
Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth can reduce plaque buildup, but they can’t remove tartar once it’s there, which is one reason routine cleanings are so important.
After all of the plaque and tartar are removed, your hygienist cleans your teeth with an electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. The texture of this toothpaste makes it easier to remove any plaque buildup we may have missed and cleans stains and discoloration, so your teeth look bright and polished.
A professional cleaning isn’t complete without flossing. Flossing removes any remaining plaque or food particles from between your teeth and beneath your gums. It also helps us identify places where your gums bleed or where plaque tends to collect. This is valuable for guiding future treatment.
Lastly, we rinse out your mouth with water to clear any remaining plaque and food particles from the cleaning. We may also apply a fluoride gel, foam, or varnish if you have a history of cavities or weak teeth at risk of decay. Fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel and makes it harder for bacteria to damage your teeth.
After your cleaning is finished, your dentist typically reviews the hygienist's work and makes time to answer any questions you have. They also provide tips to help you maintain good oral health until your next visit.
If it’s been more than six months since your last professional teeth cleaning, there’s no better time to take action. Tell us if you have dental anxiety, and we’ll be happy to accommodate your needs. To get started, contact Willow Glen Dental Center today. Call our office or message us to schedule your visit.
