Here’s what typically happens during a teeth cleaning appointment:

Dental Examination: Before the cleaning begins, the dental hygienist or dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth. This may involve checking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, or other dental issues.

Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized dental instruments such as scalers and curettes, the dental professional will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, while tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone.

Scaling and Root Planing (if necessary): If you have signs of gum disease or deep pockets between your teeth and gums, your dental professional may perform scaling and root planing to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the roots of your teeth and smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth.

Polishing: After the plaque and tartar are removed, the dental professional will use a polishing tool and a gritty toothpaste-like substance to polish the surfaces of your teeth and remove surface stains. This helps to smooth the tooth surfaces and make them less susceptible to plaque buildup.

Fluoride Treatment (if necessary): In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to the teeth after cleaning to strengthen the tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay.