Many people dread going to the dentist or having a dental cleaning session. The sounds of the machines and the thoughts of the sharp-looking metal rods being put in your mouth can be a daunting experience. Not to mention the time commitment required for a visit.
You may not have booked a dental cleaning appointment in a while, but do not worry here at Kenmar Dental we will make sure your teeth cleaning is as pleasant and as time efficient as possible. And to put you at ease, below is a breakdown of what to to expect at the dentist and answers to the question, “How long does a dental cleaning take?”
1. Initial Physical Exam of Your Mouth
Before the cleaning process may begin, it is important that your dental history is covered and you have a physical exam of your mouth. A dental hygienist or the dentist will use a small mirror to check your teeth and gums.
The dental hygienist uses the small mirror to check for any concerns such as tooth decay, gum diseases like gingivitis, and other health concerns about your teeth. These physical exams can last up to 10 minutes, depending on if the dental hygienist has found anything. If there is something that concerns them, they will then call the dentist to come and look.
2. Removing The Plaque and Tartar Build up
The dental hygienist will use a small mirror, and a scalar, a metal rod with a scraper, to remove any plaque and tartar buildup. The tartar and plaque build-up occurs around the gums and on the teeth. The time this part of the cleaning takes usually depends on how dirty the teeth are.
The sound that the scalar makes is harsh as it scrapes the gunk away however it’s not painful. If there is a heavy build-up of tartar in a certain spot, the dental hygienist will concentrate on that spot.
3. Gritty Toothpaste and Polishing
Once your teeth and gums are free of almost all the plaque and tartar build-up, the dental hygienist will start the cleaning process using gritty toothpaste. They will apply the toothpaste using an electric toothbrush. It is a great way to polish the teeth and get rid of any leftover plaque and tartar that is still left in your mouth.
Polishing can take around 30 minutes for the procedure to complete. Once the polishing is done, you will then have your teeth flossed to get rid of any plaque between your teeth. The flossing may cause your gums to bleed. After all the cleaning is done, you will then rinse your mouth out with liquid fluoride.
4. How Long Does The Dental Cleaning Session Last?
Dental cleanings usually takes around 60 minutes to 90 minutes per session. It depends on how much plaque and tartar need to be removed. During the session, you may need to have other procedures done.
Existing patients can log in to our online portal to request an appointment. New patients can start by filling out this form, and a member of our team will be in touch.
Thank you for choosing Kenmar Dental as your Marietta dental office. We aim to make your dental appointment as pleasant as possible, and we know you’ll love our professional, friendly, and modern approach to dentistry.
