What To Expect During Your Dental Cleaning

Having regular dental cleanings is one of the best things you can do for your teeth and mouth. Did you know that plaque can turn into calculus– tartar— just 24 hours after being on your teeth? And, the more plaque that builds up on your teeth, the more prone you are to developing things like gum disease. To make sure that your teeth stay as clean and healthy as possible you need to brush them regularly, avoid sugary foods, and visit Dr. Steven Holbrook for regular cleanings. If you haven’t been into our office for a while, you may not remember what takes place during your dental cleaning. Luckily, we have created a brief guide to help you feel more prepared. Read on to learn more.

Steps to take during your cleaning

• X-Rays: Usually before your cleaning, Dr. Steven Holbrook will send you to our X-Ray tech to get X-rays done. These are done to check for tumors, cysts, decay, and bone loss.
• Voice Concerns: During this time, Dr. Holbrook will ask you if you have any concerns that you would like him to check out. No matter how small they are, make sure to tell him so that he can take a closer look.
• Examination: Before your cleaning, Dr. Holbrook will examine you for a variety of things including cavities, crowns, fillings, and oral cancer. During this examination, make sure to tell Dr. Holbrook if you experience any tenderness or pain— this could be indicative of a larger, underlying issue.
• Cleaning: Once your X-rays and examination are done, Dr. Holbrook will start with the actual cleaning. To start out, he will scrape plaque and tartar off of your teeth while simultaneously examining them for cavities or decay. Depending on how much tartar you have, this part may be a bit uncomfortable. If you start to feel too much pain, make sure to notify Dr. Holbrook and his staff, and they will get you feeling comfortable. Once your teeth have been scraped, they will then be professionally polished with a fluoride-based solution.
• Recommendations: After everything is done, you and Dr. Holbrook will discuss any recommendations that he may have for you. For instance, if he notices that you have the early signs of gingivitis, he may recommend that you brush with an extra-soft toothbrush that’s more gentle on your gums.

Schedule a consultation

Getting regular dental cleanings are a crucial part of sustaining good dental health. If you would like to learn more about dental cleanings or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holbrook, contact our office today at (505) 881-1159!