If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it 100 times. Having your teeth cleaned at least annually at a dental clinic in Edmonton is essential to maintaining your oral and physical health. You’ve heard how important it is, and you may even believe it and agree. But if you’ve missed opportunities to have your teeth cleaned, are anxious about going to the dentist, or it’s been too long since you’ve seen a dentist, we hope getting detailed information about what to expect will help you to get over the hurdle. Here’s what happens at a dental cleaning in Edmonton, one step at a time.
A dental hygienist will complete a thorough examination of all surfaces in your mouth — especially your teeth and gums.
They’ll look for any signs of tartar and plaque accumulation, inflamed gums that might suggest periodontal disease and dark spots on teeth that may suggest the development of cavities. If they notice any serious signs, symptoms or reactions, the hygienist will consult with the dentist about those concerns.
If this is your first visit — or first in a while — the dentist and their staff will take x-rays.
Even the most thorough inspection by a hygienist can not see beneath your skin. X-rays can. Today, digital x-rays expose patients to far less radiation than traditional x-rays and can be magnified, saved, shared and transmitted nearly instantly while helping your dentist to identify issues relating to tooth movements, bone loss, tumours, cysts, wisdom teeth, alignment issues and jaw development.
Plaque and tartar, be gone!
The dental hygienist at a dental clinic near you will use a precise tool — a scaler — to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, from between teeth and along the line of your gums. Scalers come in manual and ultrasonic formats. Depending on what type of scalar is used and how much plaque and tartar is present, you will hear and feel scraping and “picking” sensations. It won’t hurt, but some people shrink from those sounds. Ask to listen to some music if the distraction would help.
Your dentist will then polish your teeth using a handheld electronic polishing tool and prophylaxis paste (a gritty type of toothpaste available in several different flavours). This step is completely painless, though some people do find the vibration-like sensations of this step distracting. Let your dentist know in advance if you’ve been bothered by those sensations in the past. Your dentist will answer any questions you have and do whatever is possible to minimize any discomfort.
Flossing like you can’t floss at home.
No matter how well you floss at home, your dental hygienist will — with the application of specialized tools and mirrors to ensure complete visibility and access — up the ante when it comes to flossing. This flossing step will remove any and all lingering plaque and tartar from between your teeth and along your gums and loosen away any substances dislodged to this point in the professional cleaning process. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ensure you know exactly how to floss at home.
Fluoride before leaving will protect your teeth from tooth decay.
After rinsing your teeth thoroughly, your dentist’s staff will apply fluoride to your teeth (in your choice of several flavours) to protect them from tooth decay and to help restore mineral loss that occurs naturally over time. Fluoride is applied to your teeth in gel form, where it will sit for a minute or two before being rinsed off. Will you get fluoride every time? Not necessarily. Your dentist will track when and how often you receive fluoride and apply it at the right time when a boost in your protection from tooth decay is warranted.
When you’re ready to schedule your next dental
cleaning near you, contact a dentist near you to arrange a time that suits you
well.
