Making The Most Of Your Dental Cleaning Appointment

The regular checkups recommended by your dentist may be more important than you realize. You may already be aware of how nice it feels to have clean teeth but there is a lot more to a dental visit than that. This appointment provides you with the chance for your dental team to catch problems early and take actions that not only preserve your smile but that can help improve your general health as well. To help you make the most of a routine dental cleaning appointment, read on and be informed.

Before the Appointment

Modern dental practices have never been better. You might even notice a higher level of sanitation in your dental office than ever before and all of that is bound to make things safer. However, those who fall into certain categories might want to prepare for a routine dental visit by taking some antibiotics a few days ahead of time. Speak to your dentist if any of the below applies to you:

  • Artificial devices like pacemakers were installed
  • Artificial joints have been implanted

The risk of an infection from a routine dental cleaning appointment is small but you don't need to take any chances.

A Primer on What You Will Experience

If the COVID-19 pandemic caused you to postpone your usual dental care routine, now is the time to refresh yourself on what to expect at the cleaning appointment. Take a look at what usually happens when it's time to get a checkup.

Your dental hygienist will be up first to ensure the dentist examines clean teeth. Not only is that important, but the cleaning process allows the hygienist to carefully note any issues with your teeth, gums, tongue, and the inside of your mouth in general. For example, oral cancers are often hard to spot but may be caught by your hygienist or dentist during a visit.

Tartar and plaque are difficult to remove with a toothbrush so the hygienist will brush and then use instruments to remove those sticky and harmful substances. This part of the cleaning process requires some force to be used depending on your tartar and plaque build-up. Also, alert them if you suspect you have a cavity or have sensitive teeth. If you feel any discomfort, let the hygienist know right away.

Once the hygienist is finished, you will consult with your dentist to discuss the findings and plan for any future treatment needs.

For more information, visit a dental office.


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