Most dentists would agree that one of the most important things you can do to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis for professional dental cleanings. While brushing and flossing at home plays a vital role in good oral health, you’ll never be able to clean your own teeth as thoroughly as your dentist or a trained dental hygienist. When built-up tartar and plaque isn’t removed on a regular basis, it can lead to cavities and even gum disease. To help you prepare for your professional dental cleaning, we’ve put together a list of what you can expect during your visit.
- X-rays: Although not required for every patient during every professional cleaning, your hygienist or dentist will take X-rays of your teeth and gums when necessary. Your dentist will review these X-rays to determine if any further dental work is required.
- Visual examination: Your dentist will also perform a visual exam of your teeth and gums, checking for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. The condition of your existing dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will also be checked during the visual exam.
- Oral cancer screening: Your dentist may perform an oral cancer screening during your visit. There are a variety of different cutting-edge tools that can be utilized for oral cancer screenings, and although it’s not usually required during every professional cleaning visit, your dentist will perform this screening whenever it’s necessary.
- Measurement of gum pockets: When needed, your hygienist or dentist may measure the depth of gum pockets that form around your teeth. The depth of these pockets can be a good indication of whether or not gum disease is present or is in the early stage of development.
- Cleaning and polishing: Using professional cleaning tools, your hygienist or dentist will thoroughly clean and polish your teeth. It is during this phase of your visit that built-up plaque and tartar – the material that you won’t be able to remove by regular brushing and flossing – is removed.
Dentists typically ask patients to come in twice a year for professional cleanings and oral exams. The visits are usually quite routine and most of the time are completed within an hour or so. Although the visits may be routine, they can mean the difference between good oral health and cavities and/or gum disease. So don’t put off your professional cleaning visit! Schedule yours today to ensure that you continue to enjoy healthy teeth and gums.
