Whether you are planning to get your first dental cleaning done, or you are already booked with one. You may be wondering how long your dental cleaning appointment will take. We’re here to help you figure this out.
What’s Dental Cleaning?
Deep cleaning, also known as scaling, is a process that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and beneath the gums. This is a routine dental procedure typically performed by a dentist or dental hygienist who has been trained specifically to perform your dental cleanings.
How Long Do Dental Cleanings Take?
On average, a whole appointment of teeth cleaning takes around 40 minutes. This is usually done in a single sitting, but can be done in multiple sittings if you have gum disease and your gums are swollen. The length of your appointment depends on certain factors related to your oral health
- Condition of your teeth and gums
- Bleeding through the gums
- Stains on your teeth
- Heavy plaque or tartar build-up
- Additional procedures need to be done, like X-rays or fluoride treatment
Breakdown of Your Appointment:
Routine dental cleaning consists of the following steps;
Basic Oral Exam (Takes 5-10 Minutes)
Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to check for the signs of dental decay, infections, gum swelling, or other problems. Additionally, they may take an X-ray at this stage if necessary.
Professional Teeth Cleaning (Takes 20-30 Minutes)
This is the longest part of routine dental cleaning. An instrument will be used to clean your teeth over the surface, between them, and around the gum line. How seriously you take your dental care decides how long a deep teeth cleaning takes. Moreover, cleaning could take longer if you don’t get your routine teeth cleanings, brush or floss your teeth regularly, or have stains on your teeth.
Teeth Polishing (Takes 5-10 Minutes)
After the cleaning is done, polishing is done to create a smooth and shiny surface. Moreover, it can also remove stains. This is done by using a special paste and a rotating brush.
Conclusions
In conclusion, teeth cleanings typically take around 40 minutes on average, but this time can vary depending on your oral hygiene and dental health. Therefore, routine cleanings every six months are recommended to maintain your teeth’s health, prevent gum disease, and dental decay. Please reach out to us today if you plan to have your cleaning procedure done, and schedule an appointment. We’d like to help you maintain your oral health.