If you could have all plaque and tartar removed from every surface of every tooth — even that plaque that you can’t reach with your toothbrush and the tartar that accumulates the longer the plaque stays there — in just 10 seconds a day, you’d do it, right? Teeth cleaning in Yaletown is accomplished in just one 60-minute appointment once a year. That’s less than 10 seconds a day. Considering how quickly it’s done and how helpful it is, you can do it twice a year for less than 20 seconds a day.
If you’ve never had your teeth professionally cleaned before, or if you’re one of the many people nervous about going to the dentist, you should have all the available information about what to expect. Here’s what you need to know about teeth cleaning near you.
Dental Cleaning in Yaletown in Four Steps
Like no two mouths are the same, no two dental clinics are precisely the same. Clinics develop different approaches to even the most common procedures, but four basic steps are covered at every tooth cleaning in Yaletown.
1. An examination of your teeth and gums
A dental hygienist will use a handheld mirror to thoroughly inspect every part of your mouth for any symptoms or indications of any problems with your teeth, gums, and the soft tissues of your mouth. Information gathered in this examination will generally help develop treatment plans and guide the hygienist’s focus while cleaning your teeth. Spotting inflamed gums, accumulations of plaque and tartar, or even apparent cavities will point the hygienist in the most important direction.
2. Scaling
A scaler is a small handheld tool with a hook shape on end. Your hygienist will use the scaler to remove plaque and tartar that have built up on the exposed surfaces of your teeth, between each tooth, and along your gum line. The scaling stage of teeth cleaning in Yaletown can be completed with a manual or ultrasonic scaler.
You’ll feel and hear scraping-like sensations if your hygienist uses a manual scaler. An ultrasonic scaler may be used for removing larger deposits of plaque or tartar with water while creating a vibrating sensation.
3. Teeth cleaning near you continue with polishing and flossing
Your hygienist will polish your teeth and remove stains using a handheld polishing tool called prophylaxis paste. During this stage, you’ll hear a grinding sound and sensation, which is not painful but can be disconcerting if unexpected. This stage of teeth cleaning near you will be completed with careful flossing by your hygienist to ensure no plaque or paste is lingering anywhere.
4. Fluoride
Not every dentist in Yaletown will take this fourth step, but many will offer fluoride treatment to provide ongoing protection of your teeth and support the health of your tooth enamel. Our dentist in Yaletown or hygienist will place a fluoride gel in a mouthpiece that will fit over your teeth for a minute or so to allow the fluoride to contact your teeth.
For most patients, having your teeth cleaned at our dentist near you is not painful though it can be uncomfortable and upsetting depending on your sensitivity to vibrations and sounds. You may find teeth cleaning somewhat painful if you have particularly sensitive teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or TMJ dysfunction. If you experience any of those conditions, discuss them with our dentist’s staff beforehand. They’ll be able to adjust the processes to keep you as comfortable as possible.
If you’re ready to get your teeth as clean as possible and to take the biggest possible step toward achieving and maintaining your oral health, contact our dentist near you to book a dental cleaning.