It isn’t uncommon for patients to feel a bit of anxiety before a dental cleaning. Whether it has been years since you’ve been or this is the first time you’re going to the dentist, this appointment may be weighing heavy on you. But understanding what to expect during your cleaning can help you feel a bit less anxious and far more confident.
If you’re experiencing anxiety before your upcoming dental cleaning, keep reading to learn more about what you can expect at this appointment.
1. A Physical Exam
Before your dental hygienist begins your dental cleaning, they’ll perform a physical examination of your mouth, gums, previous fillings, and more. They will use a small mirror to examine each section of your mouth. During this exam, they are looking for signs of inflammation around your teeth and gums.
If they do notice anything that is of concern, they may have the dentist come in to examine your mouth and determine whether you can continue with your appointment. While it is uncommon, some dental cleanings may need to be put off if you’re experiencing severe gum disease, an oral infection, or significant plaque and tartar buildup.
2. Plaque and Tartar Removal
Once your physical examination is complete, your dental hygienist will begin removing plaque and tartar. Plaque is the sticky film that develops on the surface of your teeth as your oral bacteria eats sugars. If you don’t remove this film from your teeth, it hardens and becomes tartar, which is far harder to remove.
Your hygienist will use a scaler to remove the plaque and tartar around your gumline. This can be an unpleasant part of your dental cleaning, as it involves scraping metal across your teeth, which can result in an unfortunate scraping sound. If you brush and floss regularly, this should lessen the length of your dental scaling.
3. In-Depth Cleaning
After the plaque and tartar are removed from your teeth, your dental hygienist will use a strong electric toothbrush to clean your teeth. While this toothbrush does make a loud grinding noise, this is a great way to remove any remaining plaque and tartar that was missed during the scaling process.
This step in the dental cleaning process is far more in-depth than your standard day-to-day brushing. While this is a great way to polish your teeth after plaque and tartar removal, it is important that you don’t attempt to brush like this at home. Brushing too hard can lead to the wearing of your enamel, which may cause increased sensitivity.
4. Flossing and Rinsing
Flossing is an incredibly important part of your everyday oral hygiene routine, but it is an even more important part of your dental cleaning. After brushing our teeth, your hygienist will perform an in-depth flossing. During this flossing, they can get deep between your teeth and may identify problem areas across your gums.
This is also their final opportunity to remove any remaining plaque and food debris that may be present in your mouth. Once they’ve finished flossing your teeth, they’ll rinse your mouth to remove any lingering debris. This rinse typically contains fluoride, which is essential for strengthening your teeth and preventing decay.
5. Fluoride Treatment
As the final step in your dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will apply a fluoride treatment. While your everyday oral care products contain fluoride, this fluoride is a much higher concentration, helping to remineralize any of your teeth that may be experiencing the earliest signs of decay.
Using a foamy gel, your hygienist will fit a mouthpiece over your teeth and allow this treatment to sit on your teeth for about a minute. Once the fluoride treatment is done, they’ll use fluoride varnish over your teeth. This varnish hardens upon contact with your saliva, allowing you to return to normal eating and drinking habits.
Additional Steps Your Dentist May Take
During your dental cleaning, it isn’t uncommon for dentists to perform X-rays. With these X-rays, your dentist has the opportunity to take a more in-depth look at your teeth. This imaging can help them identify early signs of cavities, potential bone loss, cysts, or infections that are not currently visible to the naked eye. While you might think dental X-rays aren’t essential, it is best to follow the advice provided by your dentist. This can help them create an essential treatment plan and ensure you avoid painful and costly oral ailments.
How to Quell Dental Anxiety
If you are feeling anxious leading up to your dental cleaning, there are a few things you can do to alleviate this discomfort. The best ways to address dental anxiety include:
- Bring a distraction like music, podcasts, or audiobooks.
- Ask a friend or family member to attend your appointment with you.
- Rely on relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
- Bring a comfort item like a stress ball or stuffed animal.
- Talk to your dentist about sedation options beforehand.
Reliable Dental Cleanings in Bismarck, ND
Attending regular dental cleanings is essential for avoiding developing cavities, oral infections, and more. While you may feel nervous before your appointment, this is a great way to boost your overall health and ensure your smile looks its best for years to come. But, the first step to a great dental cleaning is finding a reliable dentist.
If you’re looking for a reliable dentist in the Bismarck, ND, area, turn to our team at Bismarck Advanced Dental & Implants. We’ve provided custom dental care to patients across the city for decades, making us the perfect choice for your smile. No matter what ailment you’re experiencing, we can help you achieve your best oral health.
If you’d like to learn more about our services or are ready to schedule a cleaning, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
