Many people put off routine dental visits far too long, and that can be extremely detrimental to their dental health. Serious gum diseases can be caught early before permanent damage has occurred if patients visit their dentist for a cleaning every once in a while. If it's been a while since your last visit, a cleaning is sure to be a top priority. Read on to find out what to expect with a routine dental cleaning.

Getting Ready for the Cleaning

The dental hygienist will make preparations to protect you and your clothing by covering you with a piece of either plastic or fabric across your upper chest area. In some cases, you may be offered an eye shield.

The Removal of Hard Build-up

While every dental office and hygienist can be different, most of them begin by gently scraping your teeth with a variety of instruments to remove plaque and tartar. In some cases, an ultrasonic tool is used to do that job. They then floss your teeth. Keep in mind that you should speak up if you experience any pain or discomfort during any part of the cleaning procedure.

The Final Touch

Once the plaque and tartar are removed, you will be asked to rinse and spit into a basin. Your hygienist will now polish your teeth to bring out the shine. They will be using a buffing paste to accomplish that task. This paste has a pleasant taste. After that, another rinse and spit is in order.

Dental Imaging

Dental X-rays allow the dentist to spot cavities and gum problems before they worsen. Even if you haven't noticed a cavity forming, an X-ray will spot it. More and more dental offices are using digital imaging rather than X-rays now. This process is not just more comfortable and safe for the patient but it also allows the dentist to gather precise measurements of your teeth and gums. As changes occur in your mouth, they can be tracked and addressed. Digital imaging is performed using a tiny hand-held camera. You can immediately view the images on a tablet.

Enter the Dentist

No cleaning visit is complete without a consultation with the dentist. They will review notes from the hygienist and the imaging results and will talk to you about the findings. They usually take a look at your mouth as well.

What's Next?

If you need work done, the dentist will address all issues and suggest what needs to be done first. A dental care plan will be presented to you (usually along with the costs of each procedure), which you can take home with you. This helps you check off everything you need to do to achieve and maintain better dental health. To find out more, phone your family dentist's office and make an appointment for a consultation.