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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You finally decide to replace that missing tooth, submit a claim to your insurance, and get an unexpected denial. For a lot of patients, this is the first time they've ever heard the term missing tooth clause. It's confusing, and it can feel like the rug got pulled out from under a plan you were…
Fillings aren't meant to last forever, even though they can hold up for many years with proper care. Wondering how long yours will last, or noticing something feels different about an old filling, is a completely normal thing to think about.Here's a look at how long different filling materials typically last, the signs that point…
Cavities are common, and so is the question that comes right after your dentist finds one. What kind of filling should you get? For most patients today, the answer is a white filling made from composite resin.This guide covers what composite fillings are, how they compare to the old metal kind, what the process looks…
You were eating or brushing, and suddenly something felt off. Now you're holding a small piece of porcelain or metal, staring at a strange gap where your tooth used to look normal. A crown that comes off is unsettling, but it's also one of the more manageable dental emergencies out there.Here's exactly what to do…
You finally decide to replace that missing tooth, submit a claim to your insurance, and get an unexpected denial. For a lot of patients, this is the first time they've ever heard the term missing tooth clause. It's confusing, and it can feel like the rug got pulled out from under a plan you were…
Fillings aren't meant to last forever, even though they can hold up for many years with proper care. Wondering how long yours will last, or noticing something feels different about an old filling, is a completely normal thing to think about.Here's a look at how long different filling materials typically last, the signs that point…