Ever wondered, “how long do dental cleanings take?” Well, you’ve come to the right place. Dental cleanings are just one of the many services we provide at Brandon Smiles Dentistry. In this post, we’ll take you through the dental cleaning process step-by-step. Plus, we’ll highlight how long each step usually takes. Let’s dive in!

How Long Do Dental Cleanings Take?

Dental cleanings are a must for a happy mouth. They help keep your teeth shiny and your gums healthy. But how long do they take? On average, a regular dental cleaning takes between 30 minutes to an hour. But, it can vary based on the state of your teeth and gums.

Special Cases That Can Affect Dental Cleanings

Sometimes, a dental cleaning can take longer than an hour. This can happen if you have certain dental issues. For example, people with gum disease may need extra cleaning time. Sometimes dental cleanings take longer on purpose. For some patients, dental work can be frightening. To combat any dental anxiety, your hygienist may take more time to do your cleaning.

What to Do Before a Dental Cleaning

Great! You’ve taken the first step and booked your dental cleaning. Now, what can you do to prepare for the visit? Let’s break it down.

First things first, remember to brush and floss your teeth before you head to the dentist. Not only is it a courteous thing to do, but it also helps your hygienist. They’ll be able to focus on deep cleaning your teeth, instead of removing leftover lunch. Besides, brushing and flossing beforehand might make your experience more comfortable. You’ll reduce the amount of plaque and tartar that your dentist will have to remove.

Before your cleaning, try to eat a light meal. You don’t want to arrive at your appointment with a rumbling stomach. But at the same time, you should avoid heavy meals. They might leave you feeling uncomfortable in the dentist’s chair. Plus, a light meal means less chance of food debris getting stuck in your teeth.

If this is your first visit to a particular dentist, don’t forget to bring your dental records. This includes your dental x-rays, if you have them. Your hygienist can provide a more comprehensive cleaning with your complete dental history in hand.

Finally, aim to arrive a bit early to your appointment. Dental offices often require paperwork for first-time patients. But even if you’re a regular, arriving early allows you to unwind before the cleaning. Rushing to your appointment might make you anxious, which isn’t ideal.

The Process at Dental Cleanings

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. What happens during a dental cleaning?

Step 1: Physical Exam of Your Mouth

Your dental cleaning starts with a thorough examination of your mouth. Your hygienist will use a small mirror to check around your teeth and gums for any signs of concern, like inflammation or plaque and tartar build-up. They will also look out for any signs of oral diseases or conditions, such as gum disease or cavities. This quick, but essential, check typically takes about 5 minutes. It helps your dentist identify any issues that need to be addressed during the cleaning or in follow-up appointments.

Step 2: Removing Plaque and Tartar

Next up is the actual cleaning process. The hygienist will use a tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria, while tartar is hardened plaque that can’t be removed by brushing or flossing. Removing these is critical for preventing cavities and gum disease. Depending on the amount of plaque and tartar buildup, this step can take about 10-20 minutes. But, if you have a significant buildup, it may take a little longer than that.

Step 3: Teeth Polishing

Once your teeth are plaque-free, it’s time for polishing. The hygienist will use a high-powered electric brush and a gritty kind of toothpaste, often referred to as prophylaxis paste. This paste polishes and cleans your teeth to a shine, leaving them smooth and less susceptible to plaque. This part of the process usually lasts about 5 minutes and can feel ticklish to some.

Step 4: The Final Touches at Dental Cleanings

Lastly, the hygienist will ensure your teeth are perfectly clean with some professional flossing. This can help to remove any leftover plaque or toothpaste from earlier in the cleaning. Following flossing, you’ll rinse out your mouth to get rid of any debris. Your cleaning ends with a fluoride treatment. This step is taken to strengthen your teeth until your next visit. This is typically a mouthwash but can also be applied in the form of a gel or varnish that’s put into a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is put over your teeth and it stays on for about a minute. The fluoride forms a protective layer over your teeth. This final phase usually takes around 5-10 minutes.

So, there you have it, each step explained to give you a clear picture of what to expect during a dental cleaning. Knowing what each step entails can help reduce any anxiety you might have and prepare you for your appointment.

What to Do After Your Dental Cleaning

Once your teeth are all clean, keep up the good work! Keep brushing and flossing regularly at home. This will make your next cleaning even easier. Speaking of which, don’t forget to book your next cleaning before you leave.

That’s it! That’s what you can expect at your dental cleaning. Remember, your smile is one of the first things people notice. So, keep it bright and clean.

Feeling ready to book your next cleaning? Don’t wait! Prioritize your smile today. Schedule a dental cleaning appointment at Brandon Smiles Dentistry. We can’t wait to see you!