How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
Do you have anxiety about going to the dentist? Don’t worry, you are not alone. However, despite the anxiety it can cause, a routine dental visit with a professional cleaning is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health and avoiding gum disease and future tooth loss. The good news is that going to the dentist just two times a year, or every six months, usually results in quick and relatively painless, low-anxiety dental visits. Below is more information about what to expect during your next routine dental visit and dental cleaning, including how long the average appointment takes.
Why Are Professional Dental Cleanings Important?
Each routine dental checkup usually involves a review of your medical history, an oral exam, and a professional cleaning. During a standard professional dental cleaning, a certified hygienist will work quickly to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar from along the gumline and clean and polish the surface of the teeth. This cleaning and polishing step is not just to make sure your pearly whites shine; it also helps make it harder for plaque and tartar to stick to the surface of the teeth.
Even with daily brushing and flossing, tartar usually develops on the teeth in most adults. That is why dental cleanings are so important: they remove the plaque and tartar that you are not able to remove at home. Most dentists recommend that their patients have their teeth professionally cleaned every 6-12 months. In between these routine cleanings, good oral hygiene habits can play a vital role in preventing tartar buildup and gum disease. Some patients are recommended a more frequent interval of every 3-4 months if they continue to have excessibe build up even after their best efforts.
What is Plaque and Tartar?
A professional dental cleaning is designed to remove plaque and tartar that build up on teeth over time. Plaque is a sticky substance that coats the teeth and contains millions of harmful bacteria. The bacteria in plaque can cause gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated. Tartar is a hard, calcified substance that builds up on the teeth and also contributes to tooth decay.
During a dental cleaning, the hygienist uses specialized tools to gently remove the plaque and tartar deposits. In addition to handheld tools, the hygienist may also use an ultrasonic tool that produces mild vibrations to loosen larger pieces of tartar.
How Long Does a Typical Dental Cleaning Take?
Most dental cleanings are quick, relatively painless, and provide immediate visible results. While you may feel some mild vibrations and pressure during the scraping process, most individuals experience little discomfort. On average, the entire dental cleaning process takes 30 minutes to one hour.
After just one hour-long appointment, you may notice that your teeth not only feel fresher but also look brighter and more stain-free. If you have had a dental cleaning in the past that was excessively long or uncomfortable, it may be helpful to have a talk with your dentist before your next appointment. They can walk you through their plan for the visit and may recommend alternative options to make your cleaning more comfortable.
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