Ever wondered what happens during a professional dental cleaning?
While brushing and flossing at home are essential, a visit to the dentist ensures your teeth get a deeper clean, removing stubborn plaque and tartar that regular care can’t tackle.
In this guide, we’ll break down the steps dentists in Pretoria take to keep your smile healthy and bright
What Happens During a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Professional dental cleanings are more thorough than at-home brushing and flossing.
They’re carefully designed to remove buildup that home care can’t reach, like plaque, tartar, and surface stains.
Cleanings are typically performed by a dental hygienist, who may adapt the procedure based on individual needs, ensuring it’s as effective and comfortable as possible.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Teeth Cleaning Process
Here’s a detailed look at each stage of a professional dental cleaning:
1. Initial Examination
Before starting the cleaning, your dental hygienist will examine your mouth with a small mirror, checking for any signs of inflammation, decay, or other issues.
This initial assessment helps them focus on any areas that may need extra attention.
2. Scaling: Removing Plaque and Tartar
The first active step of the cleaning process is scaling, which removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, especially along the gum line and in between teeth.
The hygienist may use an ultrasonic scaler that vibrates at high frequencies to gently break apart plaque and tartar.
For more delicate areas, they’ll use a hand scaler to ensure a thorough and precise clean.
3. Polishing
Once the scaling is complete, the hygienist will polish your teeth using a special electric brush and a gritty toothpaste-like substance.
This polishing removes surface stains, leaving your teeth feeling smooth and bright.
It also makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate on the tooth surface.
4. Flossing
Flossing is the next step, and it ensures that any remaining debris or polishing paste is removed from between the teeth.
Your hygienist will floss each tooth individually to give you a complete clean.
5. Fluoride Treatment
To finish, many patients receive a fluoride treatment. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and protects against future decay.
The fluoride treatment typically involves a gel or foam placed in a small mouthpiece, which you’ll wear for just a few minutes.
After these steps, your teeth will be left feeling clean, smooth, and refreshed.
Why Is Professional Dental Cleaning Important?
Professional cleanings offer benefits beyond what’s possible at home.
By removing tartar, plaque, and stains, they can help:
- Prevent cavities and tooth decay.
- Protect against gum disease.
- Brighten your smile and improve your breath.
- Support overall health, as poor oral health is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Regular cleanings make it easier to catch dental issues early, allowing for more straightforward treatments.
Wrapping Up
On average, a standard cleaning takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
The exact length can vary depending on factors like the amount of tartar buildup and the specific needs of your teeth and gums. Our team at Smile Perfection will ensure that each cleaning is thorough and tailored to your comfort.
