Professional Teeth Cleaning: What Happens During a Scale and Clean
Keeping your smile healthy isn’t just about brushing and flossing at home. Professional teeth cleaning plays an important role in maintaining strong teeth and gums, preventing dental problems before they become serious.
Have you ever had the question of what they do during teeth cleaning? This guide will take you through the process and the reasons why the dentist’s visit is essential.
Why Professional Cleaning Matters
Even the most careful brushing and flossing habits may leave behind plaque and tartar in the difficult-to-reach places. Plaque is an adhesive layer of bacteria that remains on your teeth each day.
Otherwise, it may become hardened into tartar that can only be extracted by a dental professional. Tartar build-up can lead to gum inflammation, cavities, and, in severe cases, gum disease.
A scale and clean, also known as professional cleaning, not only gets your plaque and tartar off, but also polishes your teeth, making them smooth and shiny. Beyond aesthetics, these appointments are crucial for detecting early signs of dental issues.
Regular cleaning can prevent problems that might require more complex treatment later on, making it a key part of your overall oral health routine in Wodonga.
What Happens During Your Appointment
Knowing what occurs during a professional teeth cleaning can help remove any anxiety and help you make the most of your visit. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Examination
Your appointment usually starts with a dental examination. Your hygienist or dentist will check your gums and teeth to detect any decay, gum disease, or other dental problems.
They can also inquire about your oral hygiene habits and any pain that you are experiencing. This step ensures that your cleaning is tailored to your individual needs.
Step 2: Scaling (Removing Tartar)
The process of eliminating plaque and tartar from your teeth’s surface and gum line is called scaling. Dental professionals use specialised tools to scrape away hardened deposits gently.
For deeper cleaning, ultrasonic instruments may be used to remove tartar below the gumline. The step is critical in avoiding gum disease and having strong and healthy teeth.
Step 3: Polishing
Once your teeth are scaled, they are polished to eliminate stains on the surface as well as to smooth them. Polishing not only makes your teeth look good, but also makes the plaque less likely to adhere in the future.
This is normally accomplished using a gritty paste and a rotating cup of a rubber brush, and leaves your teeth clean and refreshed.
Step 4: Flossing
The dentist or hygienist then flosses between the teeth to see if any plaque or any other debris was missed during the scaling.
This step also gives your dental professional a chance to check for early signs of cavities between your teeth.
Step 5: Fluoride Treatment (Optional)
In other instances, the application of a fluoride treatment can be used to make tooth enamel stronger and prevent cavities. This is often recommended for patients prone to decay or with sensitive teeth.
Your dental team will let you know if this step is necessary during your visit.
Does Teeth Cleaning Hurt?
Professional teeth cleaning is generally comfortable. You may feel some pressure during scaling or a slight scraping feeling, but it shouldn’t hurt.
In case of sensitive teeth or gums, the dentist would arrange the method or apply a numbing gel that would make the experience more bearable. Most patients report that the results—clean, smooth teeth and fresh breath—are well worth the brief discomfort.
How Often Do You Need Professional Cleaning?
The frequency of teeth cleaning varies depending on your oral health. Most people benefit from a professional cleaning every six months. However, if you are prone to gum disease, have extensive tartar build-up, or have additional risk factors, your dentist may advise you to schedule more frequent check-ups.
Frequent dental examinations and cleanings support the health of your smile and prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
Teeth Cleaning Cost
Teeth cleaning is considered an essential part of preventive dental care. Costs may vary based on the clinic, the complexity of the cleaning, and whether additional treatments are required.
At most dental practices, the price covers a full scale and clean examination, and any personalised recommendations your dentist provides. Many practices in Wodonga and nearby suburbs also accept private health insurance for dental hygiene appointments.
FAQ
Q: Will my teeth be sensitive after cleaning?
A: Some mild sensitivity can occur, especially if you had tartar removed from around the gums. It usually subsides within a day or two.
Q: Can I have food or liquids following a fluoride treatment?
A: It’s best to avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes after a fluoride application to allow it to absorb and strengthen your enamel fully.
Q: Is professional cleaning enough to prevent cavities?
A: While professional cleaning is highly effective, maintaining appropriate brushing and flossing routines at home is critical to long-term dental health.
Teeth Cleaning in Wodonga
At Prime Care Dental Wodonga, our focus is on providing patient-friendly, thorough professional teeth cleaning that keeps your smile healthy. Serving Wodonga, Baranduda, and Bandiana, we ensure your scale and clean appointments are comfortable, effective, and personalised to your needs. During your visit, we’ll remove plaque and tartar, polish your teeth, and provide guidance for ongoing dental hygiene at home.
Regular dental hygiene appointments are an investment in your oral health. By understanding what happens during teeth cleaning, you can approach each visit with confidence, knowing your smile is in good hands.
Book your next appointment in Wodonga and experience the benefits of professional care for yourself.
Call your Wodonga dentist on (02) 6024 1516 or visit us at 340 Beechworth Road in Wodonga.