Teeth Cleaning in Columbus, IN

The Cleaning Process

An oral exam is the first step.  The hygienist will check for potential concerns such as inflamed gums (gingivitis), dark spots on teeth, cracks on enamel or uneven tooth wear.  Those concerns will be relayed to your dentist for closer inspection.  As long as it’s safe to proceed, your procedure begins.

Your hygienist will use a small mirror and scaler (a hooked tool used for scraping) to loosen and remove tartar and plaque from between your teeth and around your gumline.  Tartar is hardened plaque that builds up and is usually hard to remove.  Once that tartar hardens, it can only be removed during a professional cleaning.  The best way to minimize this build-up (and make your hygienist job easier) is frequent brushing and flossing.  In extreme cases, an ultrasonic scraper might have to be used instead of a manual one.

Once the tartar has been removed, the hygienist will brush your teeth with an electronic brush.  This provides a more thorough clean and picks up any remaining tartar that still may be loose, having escaped the scaler.  The toothpased used is a prophylaxis paste.  It smells and tastes like regular toothpaste (You get to choose the flavor too!), but you’ll notice its grainer and gritter.  This helps scrub the teeth even better.  Twice a year is the best schedule to have this deep cleaning done.  Any more frequent could damage the enamel, though your dentist will advise you of the most appropriate schedule for you.

Next, is everyone’s favorite task, flossing.  Don’t worry the hygienist will do it for you. Do know there may be some light bleeding.  The more you floss at home, the less sensitive your gums will be in our office.  This flossing removes the rest of the plaque and any leftover toothpaste.  At last, you’ll rinse and probably be given a liquid fluoride.

This liquid fluoride is a treatment that ideally will help protect your teeth from cavities for a few months.  Again, different flavors are usually available.  If its not liquid, it may be a foamy gel or past that will be put into a mouthpiece to cover your teeth.  You’ll hold this in your mouth for one minute.  A final varnish will be applied to your teeth and your appointment is almost done.  You should be able to eat or drink shortly after leaving the office, within 30 minutes.

Before leaving the chair, your dentist and hygienist will likely take one last look for any issues that may have missed, as well as talk to you about any necessary follow-up care or exams.  Children may also receive molar sealants to protect hard-to-reach areas from cavities.  Make sure you schedule your next cleaning before leaving the office and use that new toothbrush twice a day.  Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing are the keys to easy dental appointments.