What Happens During Your Exam and Dental Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning is not something everyone is excited about. Most people find the noises, prodding, and discomfort unnecessary for dental health. That is why it is easy for them to cancel dental appointments. The dentist will clean your teeth during your dental exam. If you want to know what to expect during a dental exam and teeth cleaning, here are the details.

Physical exam

The dentist will start by inspecting the mouth. A small mirror will guide the dentist around the gums and teeth. This will help spot signs of gingivitis and other dental issues. The dentist will point out the problem areas to the patient before teeth cleaning starts.

Diagnosis

The dentist will ask the patient about tooth sensitivity and pain while inspecting the mouth. Using a probe to look for soft areas can determine the spots for infection. The dentist can also order X-rays to see the extent of decay and infection. After the inspection, the dentist will inform the patient if there are root, surface, pit, or fissure cavities.

Plaque and tartar removal

A small, handheld mirror will guide the dentist while using a scaler to remove sticky plaque and hardened tartar along the gumline and between the teeth. Scraping sounds are normal. The dentist will take more time removing tartar in one particular spot. This could happen if there is a large deposit of tartar on one tooth.

Cleaning with gritty toothpaste

The dentist will use a turbo-powered electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste to clean the patient’s teeth. The process will involve a loud grinding sound. It may seem intimidating, but this is an efficient way to remove the remaining plaque and tartar from the scaling treatment earlier. The gritty toothpaste tastes and feels like normal toothpaste. The patient could even choose the flavor of gritty toothpaste.

Professional flossing

Flossing happens once daily, but the efficiency depends on the person’s skills. The dentist will provide the patient with professional flossing. The dentist can go deep into the patient’s mouth and see any trouble spots. These areas often cause gum bleeding. The dentist can remove leftover plaque and toothpaste from the dental brushing earlier.

Thorough rinsing

The patient will rinse out the mouth of any dislodged debris as part of teeth cleaning. Doing this a few times will leave the tooth spotless. The dentist will ask the patient to rinse with liquid fluoride as well. This will leave the mouth with a thin coating of protection around the mouth and gums.

Fluoride treatment

This is the final step of the dental exam and teeth cleaning. The dentist will apply a protectant. This will shield the teeth against cavity formation for months. The patient could choose the flavor of the fluoride paste or gel.

The dentist will place the fluoride gel or paste in a dental tray. Biting into it will allow the fluoride to stay on the teeth for one minute. Painting the fluoride onto the teeth is another way of applying it to teeth. The fluoride will harden once it touches the saliva. The patient will be able to eat or drink right after the treatment.

Possible dental restorations

The dentist may recommend some dental treatments after the dental inspection. Filling cavities may come right away. The dentist must perform this treatment to prevent the cavities from worsening. Tooth extraction may happen if the dentist cannot repair at least one tooth anymore. The dentist will remove the decaying teeth. Doing so will prevent the spread of infection.

The dentist can recommend root canal treatment when the dental damage has reached the pulp. This procedure aims to keep the dental structure intact. The dentist will clean out the infected tooth and disinfect the inner chamber. Filling it with gutta-percha will come next. Protecting the tooth with a custom-fit crown can prevent future damage and infection.

Sometimes, the dentist may recommend a dental crown to support teeth with large fillings. These teeth have little healthy dental structure left. A crown can cover the exposed part. The dentist will cement the crown and dry it with a curing light. This will keep the tooth intact for a long time.

Having regular professional teeth cleaning sessions can elevate your dental health

Seeing your dentist for regular dental exams and teeth cleanings can improve your oral health. Personal oral care could only go so far. You need your dentists to remove tartar and excess food particles. A teeth cleaning session is not painless at all. Starting regular dental cleanings can prevent many dental issues, including tooth loss.

Are you considering having teeth cleaning in the New York area? Get more information at https://www.newyorkdentaloffice.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in New York, NY.

Recent Posts

Oral Issues Your Dentist Looks For During A Dental Exam

A dental exam is performed to determine the condition of the patient’s oral health. The goal is to detect any concerns as early as possible so that they do not worsen or cause other health issues. This article discusses the types of oral issues your dentist may look for during a dental examination and cleaning…

Cavity Prevention With A Routine Dental Exam

A routine dental exam can help prevent dental cavities by detecting the early signs of enamel decay. If necessary, the dentist can take action to strengthen enamel so a cavity does not develop during a routine dental exam. This article provides a more in-depth review of the purpose and benefits of regular dental visits for…

What A Dental Checkup And Cleaning Include

The dentist often does a dental checkup and cleaning to look for cavities or other teeth issues. That way, the patient can have a professional cleaning and exam every six months. Many times, patients do need to come in more often than that. That is true if the patient is at risk for an oral…

Learning About Teeth Brushing At Your Next Dental Checkup

The next time you go in for a dental checkup, talk to your dentist specifically about brushing. As a child, your parents probably taught you to brush your teeth after every meal. However, they might not have shared much information as to why. After talking to your dentist, you will gain some invaluable insight. By…

Corey Brick, DDS

Share
Published by
Corey Brick, DDS

Recent Posts

What To Expect When Receiving Dentures

Receiving dentures is a straightforward process, but it is determined by the type of dentures…

4 days ago

3 CPAP Alternatives for Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that impacts millions of individuals all across the…

6 days ago

4 Things to Know About Implant Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are ideal for many dental professionals and their patients. They offer many benefits…

7 days ago

Denture Care and Maintenance Practices

Denture care and maintenance are vital to the health and functionality of both the dentures…

2 weeks ago

What Is the Difference Between Full and Partial Dentures?

Traditional dentures can be either full or partial. These are custom-fit restorations that can improve…

2 weeks ago

What You Need To Know About Implant-Supported Dentures

Curious about implant-supported dentures? Read on to learn more about this tooth-replacement option. If you…

3 weeks ago