Going to the dentist might invoke feelings of uncertainty and dread in you. You wonder what will happen to you during the appointment. You also wonder what sensations you will experience while you are in the dentist’s chair.
When you want to put your mind at ease, you may want to do some preliminary research about procedures like fillings, dental cleanings, extractions, and other common treatments. One way to do this is by looking at your dentist’s website. A dental website like Lasting Smiles of Bethlehem will provide a wealth of information about the office, staff, services technology and more. By knowing what lies ahead for you during your appointment, you can calm your nerves and become an active participant in your own oral healthcare. By looking at the website before arriving, you will already be feeling more at home and comfortable with your visit.
Preliminary Examination
When you are first called back to the dentist’s chair, you will undergo a thorough examination of your teeth. This examination will tell the dentist what dental problems you could suffer from. It also reveals how well you take care of your teeth.
The dentist or hygienist will examine each tooth as well as your gums. Once the examination is finished, the dentist will then order a thorough cleaning and flossing of your teeth.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Before your teeth can be professionally cleaned, they first must have the plaque and tartar removed from them. The hygienist will be the one in charge of this care. He or she will use a variety of tools like picks to remove debris from the surfaces of your teeth.
He or she will also use the pick to scrape along the gums to remove buildup and bacteria. Removing this debris is important in preventing infections that could get below your gum line. You might notice that your gums bleed after the plaque and tartar removal. This is normal and will stop after a few moments.
Professional Cleaning
After all of the plaque and tartar have been removed, the hygienist will then use a professional grade toothpaste to clean your teeth. The toothpaste might come in flavors like mint or strawberry. However, it will have a very gritty texture, which you might find unpleasant at first.
The hygienist will clean the surfaces of your teeth as well as in between and along the gum lines. The cleaning may take upwards of five to 10 minutes. After it is finished, the hygienist will use floss to clean in between your teeth and remove any lingering debris like food or bacteria.
You will not be left with the toothpaste on your teeth. The hygienist will rinse your mouth for you several times so you can get rid of the texture and taste of the toothpaste. Once the cleaning is finished, you may then be given a fluoride treatment to help prevent the formation of cavities.
Fluoride Treatment
Many dentists today use fluoride treatments to help prevent cavities and tooth decay in patients. The treatment involves having a layer of fluoride applied to your teeth. You typically will have it applied and left on your teeth for up to 15 minutes to a half hour before the treatment is finished.
After the treatment is done, you will be given instructions to follow. You might feel nauseated and sick to your stomach after the fluoride is applied. This is normal and should pass after a half hour or so.
Your dentist may also tell you to avoid eating or drinking anything for up to an hour after the fluoride treatment. This precaution allows the fluoride to remain on your teeth and not wear off too quickly. After an hour has passed, you can resume eating and drinking like normal.
Other Details
A tooth cleaning is one of the safest and mildest treatments you can undergo at the dentist’s office. It is non-invasive and relatively pain-free. As long as you take good care of your teeth at home, you should not experience side effects like bleeding or swelling during or after the cleaning.
However, you might still dread it because of the sensations and sounds you will encounter during the treatment. The sounds come from the instruments like the rotating toothbrush or waterpik that will clean your teeth. These pieces of equipment cannot hurt you and are vital in keeping your mouth clean.
Most cleanings take about a half hour to an hour to complete. After your teeth are cleaned, you can go home and resume your normal routine.
A professional tooth cleaning is a vital procedure for patients to undergo. You can prepare for your own appointment by knowing what to expect during the treatment. This information lets you be an active participant in your own oral health care.
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