What is The Step by Step Procedure of Dental Exams and Cleaning?

We often hear dentists recommending their patients have regular dental checkups. But do you know what dental checkups are? These are regular visits to the dentist that involve dental cleaning and examination. How often you require dental checkups is determined by your hygiene, oral habits, and general well-being. However, everyone should have dental exams and cleaning at least twice every year. Does your family require dental exams and cleaning? Then, visit our dental offices near you.

What Happens During a Dental Examination?

During a dental examination, you will be requested to fill out your health history form. This form will include all the allergies you may have, medications you are currently on, and any concerns you have about your dental health. Our dentist in Pflugerville, TX can then start a comprehensive dental checkup with this information.

Your dentist will examine your gums, teeth, jaws, tongue, and salivary glands. They will look for missing teeth, signs of decay, or abnormalities. They will start by feeling your neck lymph nodes to check for tenderness or swelling. Next, they’ll look for any swelling in your salivary glands, and also examine if your jaw bones are properly working without pain. They then move on to the soft tissues in your mouth. Finally, the dentist will look for cuts, sores, masses, or swellings.

This is usually done after your dental structure has been cleaned and polished. If your dentist discovers any issues, they recommend treatment options suitable for you. This may include frequent dental cleanings, dental restorations, and fillings, or may refer you to another dentist for advanced treatment.

Sometimes dental X-rays may be required during a dental exam. X-rays are taken as the last step and are used to detect cavities between teeth or other dental issues that are not visible.

Step by Step Process of Dental Exams and Cleaning

When you go for teeth cleaning near you, the dental hygienist will first perform a short examination using a small mirror. This is to look out for any decay, inflammation, or dental problems.

Other procedural steps that you should expect are:

1) Scaling

Here the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar around your gum line and between your teeth using a scaler. The more the tartar build-up, the longer the process will take. To avoid this, be sure to floss and brush your teeth daily. This prevents the accumulation and hardening of tartar.

2) Deep Cleaning and Polishing

After you are free of tartar, your teeth will be brushed using a strong electric toothbrush. This removes any tartar residuals after scaling. A special toothpaste known as prophylaxis is used during this professional cleaning. The paste contains a grainy consistency that polishes and scrubs your teeth. It is also during this process that stains on your teeth will be removed. Embrace yourself for grinding movements on the teeth noises from the toothbrush. This polishing of teeth is considered safe to be done twice a year. While brushing your teeth at home, avoid being harsh since it can wear down the enamel.

3) Flossing

Whether you floss or not, nothing comes close to professional flossing. The professionals can dive deep into your teeth and deal with those troubling spots that can bleed. In addition, professional flossing removes any residual tartar or toothpaste remains from the earlier cleaning step.

4) Rinsing

Rinsing removes the debris left in your mouth. The dentist may spray water into your mouth to rinse or give you a fluoridated liquid to rinse.

5) Fluoride Treatment

This is the last step in the dental cleaning process. The treatment protects your teeth from dental caries and cavities up to your next checkup. Your dental hygienist will first place a mouthpiece over your teeth. Then, smear a sticky paste or foamy gel on your teeth and leave it for a minute. Additionally, a tiny brush applies a fluoride varnish on the teeth.

You will then be required to rinse your mouth to remove the excess fluoride with water. Avoid eating or drinking anything for the next 30 minutes after the treatment. This will allow the fluoride to absorb into your teeth properly.

Visit a Dentist Near You

Call us or book an appointment with The Grand Family Dental for getting comprehensive dental exams & cleaning in Pflugerville, TX!