What to expect at a basic dental cleaning
Most dentists in Wicker Park recommend that you schedule a dental cleaning every six months to keep your smile healthy and clean. If you are nervous about visiting us, we broke down what happens at a cleaning to ease your mind about our dental processes. Here are some of the main processes that will occur during your routine cleaning.
Overall Examination of the Teeth
The dentist or dental hygienist will take a good look at your pearly whites, checking your entire mouth using a small mirror to look for any signs of potential gum concerns. They will then use a small metal tool to check the shell of your teeth to see if any cavities or decay is present. During this preliminary check, the dentist or hygienist will note if there are any major problems and figure out a plan of action.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
The dentist will use a small tool with a pointed end called a scaler to scrape away plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth. During this portion of the cleaning, you may feel slight discomfort and hear the scraping, but all this is entirely normal. The dentist or hygienist will focus on removing plaque and tartar from the gum line and between the teeth.
Brushing, Flossing, & Rinsing
A gritty toothpaste and a high-power electric toothbrush will be used to deep clean your teeth. This brushing will help remove any leftover tartar and plaque that wasn’t removed with the scaler. The slight grit of the toothpaste helps to give your teeth a better clean than you could get from an at-home brushing. Our dentist in Wicker Park will usually floss your teeth before or after this brushing. Your entire mouth will be rinsed with water to remove any extra debris.
Fluoride Treatment
Finally, a fluoride treatment will be applied to your teeth. Fluoride adds a protective coating to your teeth to fight cavities for several months. After a fluoride treatment, it is recommended not to eat or drink hot liquids or foods and don’t brush your teeth for a few hours.
To schedule your next cleaning, contact East Village Dental Centre’s dentist in Wicker Park at [Phone] or visit our website.
