What Really Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

Getting your teeth cleaned by your dentist in Columbus or Powell, Ohio is a great way to maintain your overall oral health consistently. It's true that daily at-home maintenance on your part is essential. However, a tooth cleaning from the dentist or dental hygienist at your dental clinic is a welcome, much needed professional "reinforcement" to the regimen you already have going at home. But what's the difference between what happens at your clinic and what you do at home?

The Check-Up

Of course, the first big difference is you’ll undergo a professional check-up. A check-up not only entails a "second pair of eyes" that is more experienced and informed about the process than you are. It also means a better, closer look, thanks to tools like mirrors, and even an x-ray, if required. This check-up looks for potential problems with the teeth, but also with the gums, such as gingivitis and other gum diseases that may need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Scraping

If there is any plaque or tartar present, this will be professionally removed by your hygienist or dentist in Columbus or Powell, OH. Plaque and tartar are hard, almost rock-like deposits. The professional removal is done with a tool called a scraper. Depending on just how much plaque or tartar has accumulated in the mouth, this may be the most time-consuming part of the visit and may even require multiple visits. If the buildup is minimal, so will your time be in the chair. It's all dependent on just how diligent you are at home with preventing plaque and tartar buildup.

Brushing Your Teeth

Once the plaque and tartar removal are complete, the next stage is brushing your teeth. However, unlike your regular "manual" or even electric toothbrush, this will involve a professionally powered dental brush, and, more importantly, a special "industrial strength" toothpaste. This toothpaste has a grittier consistency than what you buy in stores, and so it “scours” your mouth in a more comprehensive fashion than the gentler toothpaste that’s commercially available.

Flossing

Once the brushing is complete, you'll get your teeth professionally flossed. The difference here is a more experienced, thorough hand at work that can get into all the spots that you might not always be able to reach for deeper flossing. When the flossing is done, there's a final rinse, often with a liquid fluoride, to get rid of any leftover detritus in your mouth, as well as to give your mouth a healthy boost.

Fluoride Application

Even though you may have just rinsed your mouth with fluoride, you're still not done yet! Your hygienist or dentist in Columbus or Powell, Ohio will now put either a gel or sticky paste into a mouthpiece that is packed with fluoride. You then sit with this mouthpiece in your mouth and let your teeth directly absorb the fluoride for a minute or so. In some cases, you may have an additional fluoride "varnish" that is applied directly to each tooth with a brush, for further reinforcement.

Once this is all done, you are set! You've had a check-up, any dental concerns have been noted or addressed, and, most important of all, you've had a thorough, professional such as Infinite Smiles deep cleaning for your teeth and gums to remove all plaque or tartar and reinforced your teeth with fluoride. You're ready to go until your next cleaning and check-up, which should be scheduled at least every six months.

Infinite Smiles offers a level of expertise and care like no one else. Our doctors travel the world teaching other dentists how to use the latest dental technology. They are more than experts, and they will also make sure you are comfortable. Let Infinite Smiles help you move towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait to take that first step toward the smile you have always wanted. Call us today at 740-881-2600 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.