Even after years of visiting the dentist, you might not know exactly what’s going on when you sit in that lounge chair. You understand that the dental hygienist cleans your teeth and the dentist examines your mouth for the development of dental caries and gingivitis, but do you know what each step of the process entails?
Learning the best tooth replacement option can satisfy your long-standing curiosity and help you prepare for future dental appointments. If you’re one of those people who dreads going to the dentist, having a clear understanding of what happens during a teeth cleaning can help calm your nerves.
What Happens During A Dental Cleaning?
Few people look forward to visiting their dentist, but they know that dental cleanings can prevent serious oral problems and nip them in the bud. Although the cleaning process varies from dentist to dentist, in general you can expect the following steps for your next teeth cleaning:
A First Check
To start, a dental hygienist or dentist will usually examine your teeth and gums. During this brief dental office in San Diego inspection, they may use a mirror to better see every nook and cranny of your mouth. They will examine your mouth for signs of problems, such as inflamed gums (gingivitis) and dark spots on your teeth (possible tooth decay). If a dental hygienist performs this step, they can call the dentist if they notice anything troubling or unusual. Also, before the cleaning begins, your dental hygienist will usually ask you if you have any concerns about your teeth or gums. If you have questions about what happens during a dental cleaning, ask them now.
Digital X-Rays
During most San Diego dental insurance checkups, the dentist takes digital x-rays of the teeth and mouth. This quick and safe process alerts the dentist to numerous oral problems, including:
• Loss of bone mass
• Oral anomalies
• Caries
• Tumors and cysts
• Gum disease
• Movement of the teeth
Dental x-rays are especially important for new patients as they allow the dentist to quickly assess the current condition of the teeth and gums before proceeding. Your dentist may also use an intraoral camera to take high-resolution images or photos of your mouth, which can help your dentist assess your oral health, help you understand your oral health, and ensure that your insurer covers the necessary procedures.
Power Polish
After removing plaque and tartar, your hygienist will remove any remaining stains. However, you might not realize this is the case because they use a very unique brush and special toothpaste. First, you may be asked which flavor of toothpaste you prefer. Next, the hygienist applies the granulated toothpaste to an electric toothbrush to thoroughly clean the teeth.
This dental technology process performed by dentist in San Diego CA can be noisy due to the use of the powerful electric toothbrush.
The granular toothpaste will also polish your teeth, making them smooth and shiny.
Professional Dental Floss
You can probably guess what comes next: dental floss! Just like flossing at home, the hygienist guides a piece of floss between adjacent teeth to remove plaque. During this stage, your dental hygienist can ask questions about your flossing habits and recommend certain techniques. They can also indicate points of attention, so that you will pay them more attention in the future.
Fluoride Treatment
Your hygienist can perform fluoride treatment. This protects your teeth from cavities until your next visit to the dental practice for a cleaning or check-up. During the treatment, the hygienist can insert a mouthpiece that fits over your teeth. The mouthpiece is filled with a fluoride foam or gel and left in the mouth for about a minute. Then rinse off the excess fluoride with water. Please note that some dentists only use professional fluoride treatments for patients at moderate to severe risk of tooth decay. Since fluoride is found in drinking water, toothpaste, and mouthwash, many people do not need additional fluoride treatment at the dentist.
Final Check
After cleaning your teeth, your dentist may perform a final exam for the best tooth replacement option. They will examine your teeth for gum disease, check for grinding problems, and examine the alignment of your teeth. After viewing your digital x-rays, they take care of any issues arising from the x-rays. Sometimes the dentist will check the depth of your periodontal pockets to find out the condition of your gums. Additionally, the dentist will evaluate all dental restorations (bridges, fillings, etc.) and examine them for oral cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, your dentist will likely address them at this stage of the process. Learn more at Fifth Avenue Dental Arts!
