What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?

Have questions about your upcoming teeth cleaning appointment? Our dentists in Ann Arbor, Clarkston, and Plymouth, MI, want to make sure you have all the information you need to feel confident about your oral care. Whether you’re a new or returning patient, we’ll do everything in our power to make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and informed during your next visit.

In the meantime, here’s what you can expect during your next teeth cleaning appointment at Main Street Dentistry. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our dental offices. We’d be more than happy to help!

Initial Examination with Hygienist

First, our dental hygienist will conduct a brief examination of your teeth and gums. If they detect any obvious issues with your oral health, they may flag down one of our dentists to take a closer look. Otherwise, they’ll move onto the next step of your dental cleaning appointment.

Dental X-rays

We may take new X-rays during your visit depending on how long it’s been since the last ones. X-rays are important because they let us see what’s not visible to the naked eye. For example, our dentists may use dental X-rays to detect cavities hiding between teeth. The sooner we can detect an issue with your oral health, the sooner we can diagnose and treat it.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

You can remove plaque at home by brushing and flossing your teeth. However, only a skilled dental professional will be able to remove tartar. That’s why we always recommend that you see us at least twice a year for your routine teeth cleaning. By removing plaque and tartar buildup, we help prevent oral health issues from starting in the first place.

During your appointment, we’ll use a dental instrument called a scaler to gently scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth. Scaling is painless and essential to every teeth cleaning visit.

Teeth Polishing and Flossing

The hygienist will use a high-powered electric toothbrush to polish your teeth and remove any residual traces of plaque. Next, they’ll floss between every tooth to ensure your smile receives a thorough cleaning. Plaque and food particles like to hide where toothbrush bristles can’t reach, which is why we take great care to clean every nook and cranny.

Final Examination with Dentist

For the final step of your professional teeth cleaning visit, one of our dentists will examine your teeth, gums, jaws, and other oral structures. They will also look at any X-rays we may have taken during your appointment with us.

This is a great opportunity to ask our dentists any questions you may have about your oral health. If you require further treatment, our dentists will explain your options and let you know what you can expect during your upcoming appointments.

Optional: Dental Sealants

Patients of all ages may be candidates for dental sealants. Whether you or your child are prone to getting cavities, dental sealant treatment acts as an added layer of protection to promote good oral health. As the name suggests, a dental sealant will seal away any deep grooves or divots in your back teeth that tend to accumulate bacteria.

Combined with good oral hygiene at home, dental sealants can greatly reduce your risk of cavities. It’s also a quick and pain-free procedure that we can easily squeeze into a teeth cleaning appointment upon request.