What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning | Ideal Dental

If you're nervous or unsure about visiting the dentist, you're not alone. Many people avoid dental visits entirely because of misconceptions about pain or discomfort, or just general fear of the unknown. The longer you put off going to the dentist, the scarier it can feel to go back — but the good news is that no matter how long it's been, visiting Ideal Dental will be a clean, comfortable, safe experience for you and your family, guaranteed.A dental cleaning is the most common service we offer in our offices. It is a routine procedure that we do multiple times a day, every day, and is absolutely nothing to be worried or unsure about.When you arrive for your dental cleaning, we'll ask that you to wait in the car until we're ready for you. We're adhering to strict CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of our staff and guests, and we'd like to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.Once you've been welcomed into our office and had your temperature taken, you'll lie down in a comfortable dental chair. A dental hygienist will thoroughly examine your whole mouth for signs of gum disease or cavities. They will use a small mirror to check around your teeth and gums, and may ask the dentist to take a second look if they notice any signs of gingivitis (inflamed gums) or anything else that may be a cause for concern.Before your dental cleaning starts, you'll have an opportunity to ask your dentist and hygienist any questions you may have, as well as the chance to get any concerns addressed up front. We provide all of our patients a thorough explanation of any treatment that is needed or requested, as well as multiple financing options.After the initial examination, the dental hygienist will use a device called a scaler to get rid of plaque and tartar around your gum line and in-between your teeth. You may hear or feel a scraping sound or sensation, but this is completely normal. The more plaque build-up you have, the more times your hygienist will need to scrape a particular spot.It's important to remember that this is a necessary step for your oral health. Plaque buildup hardens into tartar, and no matter how much you brush you can't remove tartar at home, which is why you need to get regular dental cleanings.For some guests, this is their least favorite part of the process, and we completely understand! The best way to shorten this step? Excellent oral care at home, which means regular and consistent brushing and flossing for at least two minutes a day, twice a day.Congratulations — the hard part is over! After your dental cleaning is complete, you'll receive an oral cancer-screening and X-rays of your teeth and mouth.