What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning? Step-by-Step Guide

A professional dental cleaning is one of the best things you can do to protect your oral health. But going to the dentist can be intimidating. With so many different tools and procedures, you may not know what to expect when you sit down in the chair. Luckily, most dental cleanings are quite simple and usually follow the same simple steps. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to what to expect during your next professional dental cleaning.  

Step 1 – Examining 

Most dental cleanings are done by a dental hygienist, working alongside your local dentist. They’ll start by examining your teeth. They might use a mirror to see behind your molars in the back of the mouth. This helps them get an idea of any problem areas and how to proceed with the cleaning.  

Step 2 – Scaling 

In this step, the hygienist or dentist will remove the plaque that’s built up in and around your teeth using small tools called scalers. You may only feel minimal discomfort. You may also hear some scraping noise as the scalers remove the plaque. This process is important because plaque that isn’t removed can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to clean at home. 

Step 3 – Brushing 

Next, your teeth will receive a thorough brushing with the dentist’s specialized brush. These toothbrushes and accompanying toothpaste can clean and polish your teeth on a deeper level than the brush you have at home. Be aware that the sound of the brush might feel intense while it’s working.  

Step 4 – X-Rays 

Your dentist may need to take X-rays of your teeth and jaw. This may take place in a different area of the office than the examination room. The procedure is similar to getting an X-ray to examine a broken bone or another part of your body. Your dentist or dental hygienist will attach a piece of film to a small piece of plastic and ask you to hold it in your mouth. They will then place the X-ray machine over the film and leave the room to activate the machine.  

Holding the plastic in place may feel uncomfortable, but you should only need to hold it for a few moments. Your dentist may need to take several X-rays to capture your entire mouth. 

Step 5 – Meeting with the Dentist 

Once your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned and your X-rays have been examined, your dentist will come in to discuss any issues or concerns. They may suggest additional treatments like sealants or fluoride, or may discuss oral hygiene habits to improve your teeth’s health. Once everything looks good, you’ll be all set and ready to check out. 

Most routine professional dental cleanings shouldn’t take more than an hour, and most dentists recommend a dental checkup every six months.1 By making it a regular routine, you can ease your anxiety around the dentist’s chair. Take a deep breath and remember that you’re making an investment in your future oral health.  

Media Contact Information:
Name: Sonakshi Murze
Email: Sonakshi.murze@iquanti.com
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