How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?

How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take? from Carolina Smiles Family Dental in Brevard, NCIf you have not undergone a dental cleaning in over six months, it is time to go for a dental cleaning. Dental professionals recommend undergoing dental cleaning every six months to prevent oral issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Due to your schedule, you might be concerned about how long the cleaning appointment takes. Continue reading to find out.

The duration of the cleaning appointment

Thankfully, dental cleaning only takes a few minutes, meaning patients will not have to wait long at the dental office. The cleaning process typically takes less than 30 minutes to finish, with some lasting up to an hour. The cleaning appointment’s duration is largely determined by the teeth’s and gums’ condition and the type of cleaning needed by the patient.

The dentist will clean the teeth with gritty toothpaste after scraping off plaque and tartar with a scaler. They will then floss and clean the teeth and clear any excess toothpaste and dirt. Once the teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, fluoride will be added to the surface to protect the enamel and prevent plaque buildup in the future. However, it is important to remember that dental cleaning entails more than just cleaning and teeth polishing.

The dentist may also decide to take x-rays and examine structures of the oral cavity for signs of oral health issues. These additional steps are required to help patients maintain proper oral health. They even take up extra time during dental appointments. The following are some of the factors that determine how long the dental cleaning appointment takes:

The teeth’s condition

Plaque, tartar, and stains are eliminated from the teeth during a professional dental cleaning. The patient’s level of oral hygiene, including teeth brushing and flossing, affects the amount of plaque and tartar accumulation. When patients floss regularly, there is usually less plaque and tartar between the teeth. Stains typically form due to normal eating and drinking, but activities like heavy alcohol intake, smoking, and coffee drinking can increase discoloration.

Gum disease

The gum tissue recedes from the teeth area between each tooth's pockets, and the underlying gum tissue becomes infected. To eliminate gum disease, the dentist needs to clean deep periodontal pockets properly. Scaling and root planing is a more thorough cleaning, and it takes a longer time to complete.

Dental fear

Dental treatment for patients with dental anxiety necessitates a bit more effort and patience. Suppose the dentist is aware of a patient’s anxiety. In that case, they will operate at a slower speed to keep them comfortable and try as much as possible to clarify what is happening during the process.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Brevard, NC

In summary

In general, most people would only need a preventative dental cleaning when they see their dentist, and they should hope to be in and out in around an hour. Patients that require a deep or maintenance cleaning will normally be seen right away. Gross debridement cleaning is the only form of cleaning that lasts long and done over several dental visits. Regular dental appointments can help patients avoid this type of cleaning.

Request an appointment or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at 828-974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.

Recent Posts

A Dentist Explains The Dental Cleaning Process

A dental cleaning is performed to remove plaque and tartar that can naturally build up on teeth and along the gum line. The process is non-invasive and takes less than an hour to complete. It is helpful to understand the steps involved with the dental cleaning process before the day of the appointment.While every experience…

When Should You Get A Dental Cleaning?

The best way to deal with oral health concerns is through prevention. One of the best ways to prevent oral health concerns such as dental cavities and gum disease is through regular dental cleaning visits with your dentist. This review discusses how often dentists recommend a dental cleaning and why it is so important for…

How A Dental Cleaning Procedure Can Help With Bad Breath

Bad breath is a far more common issue than many people realize. Simply because someone does not notice their own bad breath does not mean it is not an issue. The good news is that bad breath is relatively easy to treat and prevent long-term in many cases. One of the best ways to treat…

Recent Posts

How Do I Know If I’m A Good Candidate For Dental Bonding?

How Do I Know If I’m A Good Candidate For Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a process that restores the functionality and attractiveness of a patient’s smile by applying a natural-looking substance to a tooth. Patients with cracks, decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth may benefit from the long-lasting composite material that is put on their teeth. The interesting part of dental bonding is that it needs little…

How Durable Is Dental Bonding?

How Durable Is Dental Bonding?

Your dentist might recommend dental bonding if you are unhappy with your smile. This article explains how long this restoration will last and what influences its lifespan. Whether you have had a tooth gap for years or have recently chipped a front tooth, even a little mistake will make you hesitate before smiling. However, before…