What To Expect at a Dental Cleaning

Dental cleanings will vary from office to office, but the general procedure usually follows the same pattern.

X-rays
X-rays are usually taken once a year. If you haven't had an x-ray taken at that office, or it's been more than 6 months, they will need to take an x-ray. This helps them identify any inconsistencies in your teeth that may eventually lead to problems if left untreated. This usually takes a few minutes.

Cleaning
The dental hygienist cleans the tartar from your teeth. This helps prevent tooth decay. This can last anywhere from 5-30 minutes, depending on how well you've been brushing and how thorough your hygienist is.

Polishing
The hygienist will then brush your teeth with a special toothpaste. This is done with a small motorized toothbrush. As saliva builds in your mouth, you may be asked to close your mouth around a small vacuum tube, which will remove any excess saliva. The polishing takes around 5-10 minutes.

Waiting for the doctor
This can sometimes be the longest part of the appointment. The doctor will be moving from one operatory to the next, helping patients. You will usually need to wait at least a couple minutes before the doctor is available to exam your teeth.

Exam
This is when the doctor checks for cavities. If you've had x-rays taken, those will be examined first. If there are any problems found, you will need to set another appointment to return and be treated. During the exam, the doctor will probably try to make small talk, but you won't be able to respond because the doctor's hands will be in your mouth.