How Long Does Teeth Cleaning Take?

A sparkling smile is a confidence booster, and regular dental cleanings are essential to achieve that. But if you're scheduling your first appointment, or it's been a while, you might be wondering, "How long does teeth cleaning take?" At Ammons Dental By Design, we understand that dental visits can cause anxiety, and knowing what to expect can help ease your worries.

The dentist may also examine your medical history and evaluate the way you bite, chew, and swallow. If further treatment is needed, a specialist might be recommended. Dental cleanings can also involve nutrition counseling, tobacco cessation support, and guidance on proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques.

The American Dental Association (ADA) advises scheduling a dental cleaning every six months. Most dental insurance plans cover these biannual cleanings, provided they are spaced six months apart. Your dental health may be improved and maintained with regular cleanings.

Typically, the professional cleaning portion of a dental checkup lasts between 30 minutes and an hour. How much time teeth cleaning takes will vary depending on how well your teeth are doing and how much plaque has to be cleaned. On average, a complete routine appointment takes about an hour to 90 minutes.

The dentist will proceed at a rate that guarantees your comfort and relaxation, so there's no need to rush through the procedure. If you experience any discomfort during the process, inform your dentist, and they will take the necessary breaks. The routine checkup and cleaning process is painless for most patients, leaving them satisfied with a fresh, clean smile.

Understanding the steps involved in a teeth cleaning can also help you gauge its duration. Here's a typical breakdown:

• Consultation and Examination: The first questions the hygienist will ask you are about your dental history and any worries you may have. After that, they will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to look for indications of gum disease, decay, or other oral health problems.
• Plaque and Tartar Removal:  This is the most important part of the cleanup. The hygienist will use specialized equipment such as scalers and cavitrons to carefully remove plaque and tartar accumulation from the teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that harbors bacteria. At the same time, tartar (also called calculus) is a hardened plaque that requires professional removal.
• Flossing and Brushing: Your teeth will be flossed by the hygienist to remove any remaining plaque or grime. Additionally, they might demonstrate proper brushing methods for at-home oral hygiene maintenance.
• Polishing: Gritty toothpaste is used to polish teeth, removing surface stains and leaving them smooth and shiny.
• Fluoride Treatment (Optional): In some cases, the dentist might recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities. This usually involves applying a topical fluoride gel or having you swish with a fluoride rinse.
• Review and Recommendations: The hygienist will discuss your oral health findings and recommend personalized strategies for maintaining good oral hygiene at home. This might include specific brushing and flossing techniques, dietary recommendations, and the use of additional dental products.

• Halts Gum Disease Progression:  One of the primary advantages is stopping the progression of gum disease.
• Non-Surgical Treatment: Scaling and planing is a non-surgical procedure that can greatly enhance gum health.
• Potentially the Only Treatment Needed: This treatment alone can suffice in many cases.
• Eliminates Infection: By removing the infection, it helps freshen bad breath.
• Healthier Gums: Gums will look and feel healthier after the procedure.
• Removes Bacterial Pockets: The pockets that collected bacteria will be gone, leaving gums snugly fitted around the teeth.

At Ammons Dental By Design, our mission is to deliver first-rate dental care in a friendly and cozy setting. We put patient comfort first and provide easy appointment scheduling. Allow our skilled hygienists to handle your dental needs!

Make an appointment for your upcoming dental cleaning by contacting us right now. A radiant grin is in store!

Teeth cleaning is generally painless, as it does not involve cutting or injections. Occasionally, if a small cavity is detected, the dentist may need to drill the tooth and apply a filling or sealant. You might experience minor tooth pain and sensitivity for a day or two following the treatment.

After teeth cleaning, it's usually best to wait 30 to 60 minutes before eating. During this period, avoiding hot or spicy foods and prioritizing drinking water to stay hydrated is best. Select soft, gentle foods when ready to eat and remain attentive to your oral hygiene routine.

The cleaning process can sometimes lead to discomfort and sensitivity. It's important to realize that while the process helps remove plaque and tartar, there is no assurance that your gums will grow back into your teeth. In some cases, the cleaning might even contribute to further gum recession. Experiencing pain and sensitivity is common after a deep cleaning session. Still, these side effects are typically minimal and usually subside within about a week.