What To Expect at Your First Dental Cleaning With Your Family Dentist

Many feel anxious before their first dental cleaning with a family dentist, but the anxieties can be lessened by having a clear idea of what might take place during the dental cleaning. Of course, every cleaning may look different for each patient, but the ultimate goal and certain steps are fairly constant.
The dental cleaning process from a family dentist
For most family dentists, dental cleanings are a way to keep teeth clean and prevent any oral health concerns from developing. The process typically involves documenting any oral health symptoms the patient has, cleaning the teeth and the gum line thoroughly and educating the patient on ways to keep their teeth clean long-term through good at-home oral hygiene.
Examine oral health
The first thing the family dentist will do is discuss any outstanding symptoms and conduct an oral health examination, especially if it is an individual's very first dental cleaning. They may also order dental X-rays to get a more accurate idea of the patient’s overall oral health. If there are more severe concerns such as enamel erosion or severe gum disease, then the patient may need additional treatments such as scaling and root planing or a dental filling.
Remove plaque and tartar
The dental cleaning is not invasive and the patient should experience little to no discomfort. The primary goal is to remove plaque and tartar that develops on the surface of teeth and along the gumline. The family dentist can carefully remove plaque and tartar by hand with safe and effective dental equipment. A common misconception is that one does not need a dental cleaning if they brush regularly. However, a dental cleaning can access areas of the teeth that are hard to reach while brushing and can remove tartar (hardened plaque) that can develop over time regardless of good oral hygiene.
Rinse and polish teeth
Teeth polishing seeks to make teeth more smooth, look better and prevent plaque buildup. Teeth polishing can also be done carefully by hand with small, minimally invasive dental equipment. This step occurs in a dental cleaning after the plaque and tartar are removed and the mouth is rinsed. Patients who are worried about the polishing process can discuss ways to reduce anxiety during treatment with a family dentist. They may suggest things such as wearing headphones to distract themselves and ensure they do not hear the dental tools.
Discuss good at-home oral care
Although a dental cleaning is a great way to keep teeth and gums clean, it is not a substitute for good oral care at home. A consistent brushing routine, mouthwash and floss are all necessary components of at-home care. A family dentist may also provide educational information to patients following their first dental cleaning to prevent future oral health concerns from developing.
Discuss dental cleaning with a family dentist
Reach out today to learn more about dental cleanings. Additionally, an appointment can be scheduled with the family dentist to get started!
Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Proper oral hygiene goes beyond brushing your teeth twice a day. While traditional flossing remains important, many people struggle with the technique or find it uncomfortable. This has led to growing interest in alternative cleaning methods, particularly water flossers like Waterpik devices.At St. George Dental Care, we frequently receive questions about these devices from our…
When your general dentist mentions you might need to see an oral surgeon, many patients feel uncertain about what this means. Understanding the role of an oral surgeon can help ease concerns and prepare you for specialized dental care. These highly trained professionals handle complex procedures that go beyond routine dental work. An oral surgeon…
Missing a tooth can impact more than just your smile. It affects your ability to eat, speak clearly, and feel confident in social situations. When considering tooth replacement options, two popular choices emerge: dental bridges and dental implants. Understanding the bridge vs implant cost comparison helps you make an informed decision that aligns with both…
Getting a tooth filling is a common dental procedure that helps restore damaged teeth and prevent further decay. After your appointment, your dentist will likely recommend eating soft foods to avoid discomfort and protect your new filling while it sets properly.Choosing the right soft foods to eat after tooth filling can make your recovery more…