Professional teeth cleaning for healthy bright smile

What Is Dental Cleaning?

A routine teeth cleaning holly springs nc is vital for the health of your smile, just as an annual physical is for your overall well-being. Its primary purpose is to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and behind your gum line, lowering your risk of cavities, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss. It also allows your dentist and hygienist to check for signs of tooth decay, oral cancer, and other oral health issues.

"A typical dental cleaning involves the removal of soft and hard deposits (plaque and calculus) above, around, and just below the gumline by scaling [a procedure used by your dentist to remove plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of your teeth]. Dianne Sefo is a clinical associate professor and chair of dental hygiene and dental assisting at NYU College of Dentistry in New York City.

This non-surgical, routine procedure can vary in duration, depending on the state of your teeth and gums when you arrive. "A dental cleaning usually takes under an hour," explains Sefo. However, the duration of the session can vary depending on a number of factors, including the amount of scale required.

Both a dental hygienist and dentist are involved in the process. “A dental hygienist will collect the necessary assessments and notify the dentist when this is complete. "We are searching for anything unusual that would necessitate treatment or referral to a professional," adds Sefo. Your dentist will then inspect your teeth, existing restorations, and gums and check over the hygienist’s findings.

How often you should get a dental cleaning depends on your unique circumstances, and your dentist will determine the most appropriate frequency for you. Dentists often prescribe twice-a-year cleanings for optimal dental health, but if you have gum disease, a shorter interval of three to four months may be required.

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests your dentist be the one to set your visit frequency, guidance that’s based on a 2013 study in the Journal of Dental Research. The researchers discovered that high-risk patients would benefit from more regular dental cleanings than low-risk patients.

What to Expect Following a Dental Cleaning

Your mouth may feel a bit funny after a teeth cleaning holly springs nc, depending on how much scaling was done and what tools were used. When you glide your tongue over your teeth, you should be pleased with the smooth, plaque-free sensation.

Your dental hygienist is an excellent source of information about what to do after your cleaning. They may teach you how to brush and floss properly, as well as advice on nutrition and smoking, all of which have an impact on your oral health.

It might be helpful to ask how long you should wait to eat or drink after your appointment, what your mouth should feel like and when to schedule your next routine cleaning or specialist appointment, if needed.