Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
Has it been a while since you've gone to a dentist, and are finally going in for a teeth cleaning and examination? If so, you'll want to have an idea about what to expect during your visit.
X-rays
Your dentist is going to want to see what is going on inside your teeth, which involves taking X-rays. It is very likely that your dentist will not only take bitewing X-rays but a full mouth X-ray as well. It's going to let your dentist see things that they cannot see with their eyes, and provide a baseline record for future visits. If you have concerns about taking X-rays, know that they are incredibly safe. The amount of radiation exposure during a dental X-ray is very low.
Cleaning
Your cleaning may take a lot longer than usual if there is a lot of tartar on your teeth. It's possible that your dentist may split your appointment into two sessions if there is a significant amount of tartar to remove. Thankfully, dentists these days use ultrasonic scalers that break up the plaque using a combination of vibrations and water. It can feel gentle on your teeth when compared to the hand scaler. However, a hand scaler may still be used at the end.
Periodontal Charting
Your dentist should also take measurements of the gaps between your gums and teeth, known as periodontal charting. The dentist measures the pockets in millimeters to determine if you are at risk of having gum disease. These measurements are recorded and are also used as a baseline for future visits to track gum recession. Your dentist may perform periodontal charting every year rather than at every cleaning appointment.
Polishing
Expect your teeth to be polished after the cleaning is finished. You may get to pick the flavor of the polish that is used on your teeth, but it will leave your mouth feeling fresh no matter what. Polishing helps get rid of any surface stains that can easily be removed
Fluoride Treatment
Applying a fluoride treatment to your teeth can give them additional protection. However, it leaves a substance on your teeth that cannot be washed off right away by eating or drinking. Make sure to follow the dentist's directions to get the most effectiveness out of it.
Reach out to a family dentist in your area for more information about what you can expect during your cleaning.
Share1 November 2022
