The Dental Cleaning Process: What to Expect

A typical dental cleaning involves several steps to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. The process begins with the dental hygienist using a small tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can harden into tartar if not removed regularly. The scaler is gently moved along the surfaces of your teeth, especially near the gum line, where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate.

Next, the hygienist uses a motorized brush with a gritty toothpaste to polish the teeth, which helps remove any remaining plaque and stains. This is followed by a rinse to wash away debris from the cleaning process.

After polishing, the hygienist will floss between your teeth to ensure any leftover plaque is removed from hard-to-reach areas. Finally, a fluoride treatment is applied to your teeth to help strengthen the enamel and protect against cavities.

Regular dental cleanings at Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry are essential for maintaining good oral health. These cleanings are usually performed every six months, helping to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Dr. Badar and the team emphasize the importance of regular cleanings as part of an overall preventive care routine to keep your smile healthy and bright.

Dental cleanings are generally not painful for most patients, though some discomfort may occur, especially if there is a significant amount of plaque or tartar buildup. The process involves scaling, which may cause some sensitivity or mild discomfort, particularly along the gum line where tartar can accumulate. However, the level of discomfort varies from person to person, and dental hygienists at Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry are trained to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

If you have sensitive gums or teeth, it’s important to communicate with the hygienist before the cleaning. In some cases, a local anesthetic may be used to numb specific areas of the mouth to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Additionally, some patients with severe tartar buildup may feel more pressure during the cleaning process, but this is not usually painful.

For patients who experience anxiety or fear about dental visits, the team at Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry offers a calming environment and gentle care to ensure that your cleaning is as stress-free as possible. Our team prioritize patient comfort, making sure that you are informed and relaxed throughout the process.

A typical dental cleaning appointment usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the cleaning and the patient’s oral health. For patients with relatively healthy teeth and gums, the cleaning process may be shorter, typically lasting around 30 minutes. During this time, the hygienist will perform scaling, polishing, flossing, and apply fluoride treatment.

However, if a patient has more tartar buildup, gum disease, or other oral health concerns, the cleaning may take longer. In these cases, the hygienist may need more time to thoroughly clean and address any buildup or sensitivity. For individuals who have not had a cleaning in a while or those with extensive tartar, the appointment could take up to an hour or more.

At Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry, the team strives to make your visit as efficient as possible while providing thorough care. Our staff ensures that all necessary steps are taken during the cleaning process, allowing enough time to address any questions or concerns you may have.

During a routine dental cleaning, Dr. Badar typically does not take X-rays unless it is necessary for diagnosing hidden issues or checking for cavities between the teeth. X-rays are usually performed as part of a regular dental checkup, but they are not always required during every cleaning appointment. However, depending on your age, dental history, and specific concerns, Dr. Badar may recommend X-rays to get a clearer picture of your overall oral health.

Dental X-rays are essential for detecting issues that cannot be seen during a visual exam, such as cavities beneath the surface of the teeth, bone loss, or issues with the jawbone. In general, X-rays are taken once a year or as needed for specific concerns. If Dr. Badar feels that X-rays are necessary to assess your dental health, they will be taken at the beginning of your appointment, before the cleaning begins.

At Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Badar and the team use digital X-ray technology, which provides clear, detailed images while minimizing radiation exposure. X-rays, when necessary, help ensure that any hidden dental problems are addressed early, contributing to a comprehensive approach to maintaining your oral health.

For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 107 Cedar Grove Ln Suite 102, Somerset, NJ 08873. We serve patients from Somerset NJ, New Brunswick NJ, Highland Park NJ, Piscataway NJ, Hillsborough NJ, Manville NJ, South Bound Brook NJ, and surrounding areas.