Sometimes it can be terrifying to enter the dentists office for the first time. If you are looking for a little more information regarding what you will be undergoing during a cleanup visit, we can provide some transparency. Sometimes fear and anxiety brought on by dental visits can be easily assuaged through explanation. While some necessary dental procedures can be uncomfortable, a regular cleaning is almost never one of them!

Why Dental Cleanings Are Important

Getting your teeth cleaned in a dentist’s office removes the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. This buildup of calculus makes your mouth highly susceptible to the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause serious harm to your teeth. You brush and floss everyday for the same reasons. So why is an in-office visit necessary? Even the most efficient brushers have difficulty reaching certain spots in their mouth or getting all of the plaque. Dentists use tools designed especially to “deep clean” your teeth.

Tools Used in a Cleaning

Your dentist will likely use some of the following tools:

• Ultrasonic instrument- This is a vibrating device that knocks tartar loose while brushing and rinsing it off.
• Fine hand tools- These smaller, metal tools are used to scrape off leftover tartar by hand.
• Polisher- This vibrating, non-bristled is used along with a gritty paste to shine the teeth, leaving them completely smooth.

While your dentist may include other steps in their cleaning (like checking for cavities, or applying a fluoride rinse to your teeth) there’s not a lot more to it then the simple procedures listed above. If you have more questions about the process or are ready to take the next step and schedule an appointment contact us today so you can be on your way to a fresh, clean smile.