A professional dental cleaning might not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, but it can be an effective way of protecting your smile and preventing oral health problems. If you’ve booked—or are thinking about booking—a cleaning at Sundance Dental Clinic, you might be wondering how much time to carve out for your visit.
Most cleaning appointments for healthy adults take about 60 minutes, though this can vary depending on your oral health and the level of care required.
How Often Should You Book a Cleaning?
Most dentists, including the team at Sundance Dental Clinic, recommend scheduling a cleaning every six months. This frequency helps remove plaque and tartar buildup while allowing your dental team to catch any potential concerns early.
For individuals with certain conditions, such as gum disease, high cavity risk, or significant plaque buildup, more frequent visits every 3 to 4 months may be recommended. Remember, your dentist and hygienist work with you to determine an interval that’s best for your needs.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
A dental cleaning is about much more than just removing plaque from your teeth. Here’s what typically happens during a routine hygiene visit at Sundance Dental Clinic:
Early Detection of Dental Issues
Your dental hygienist and dentist will examine your teeth and gums to identify any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other concerns. Problems are often easiest and least expensive to treat when caught early. Think of it as your opportunity to stay ahead of potential issues.
Oral Cancer Screening
During every cleaning, we perform a quick oral cancer screening to check for any unusual lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities. Though highly unlikely, early detection of oral cancer can improve treatment outcomes.
X-Rays (When Needed)
While not required during every cleaning, dental X-rays can provide a more in-depth view of your oral health. They allow us to spot hidden cavities, bone loss, calculus below the gumline, or other issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. If your dentist or hygienist recommends X-rays, it’s to check for any concerns that could be missed.
Digital Scanning with iTero
At Sundance Dental Clinic, we offer digital scans using the iTero scanner to create a detailed 3D view of your teeth and bite. While not part of every routine exam, this comfortable, non-invasive scan is often performed during a patient’s first visit or as part of treatment planning for options like Invisalign or custom nightguards.
Scan availability may vary depending on the nature of your appointment, but we’re happy to provide one when appropriate or upon request.
Professional Cleaning That Can’t Be Accomplished At-Home
Even with meticulous brushing and flossing, you can’t remove all the plaque and tartar that accumulate over time, especially below the gumline. This is where professional cleanings shine. Using special tools, our hygienists will carefully remove these deposits to help prevent gum disease.
Improving Your Overall Health
Did you know that your oral health is directly connected to your overall health? Poor oral hygiene has been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes complications, and even respiratory issues. Cleanings can help reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth, which can prevent them from entering your bloodstream and affecting your body.
What Can Affect the Duration of a Cleaning?
While most cleanings take about 60 minutes, the timing can vary depending on several factors:
- Your oral health: If you haven’t had a cleaning in years or you have gum disease, the process may take longer.
- Plaque & tartar build-up: The more accumulation, the more time needed for a thorough cleaning.
- Personalized treatments: If additional treatments like fluoride applications or sensitivity care are included, this adds to the appointment time.
New patients at Sundance Dental Clinic may also require a little more time on their first visit so that our team can establish a personalized care plan.
What Happens After a Cleaning?
Once your cleaning is complete, your dentist will perform a final checkup. This includes:
- Examining your teeth for cavities or damage.
- Checking your gums for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Assessing your bite and aligning it with your overall oral health.
- Discussing next steps for treatments or preventative care if needed.
Your dentist may also perform an oral cancer screening during this time for a comprehensive look at your oral health.
Depending on your needs, we may also use our iTero scanner at this stage to take a quick, non-invasive digital scan of your teeth. This allows us to monitor subtle changes over time, track signs of wear, and plan treatments like Invisalign or nightguards more accurately, all without the mess of traditional molds.
Keep in mind that your visit doesn’t end with cleaning your teeth. Sundance Dental Clinic focuses on building partnerships with our patients that empower them to make good choices for their oral and overall health.
Common Questions About Teeth Cleanings
Do Teeth Cleanings Cause Discomfort?
Generally, cleanings are comfortable. However, if it’s been a while since your last dental visit or if there are issues like gum inflammation or tartar near sensitive areas, you might feel mild discomfort. Don’t hesitate to share any sensitivity or concerns with our team—we’re here to help make the experience as smooth as we can.
How Can I Make Cleanings Efficient?
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home can help your cleanings go faster. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using tools like water flossers for those harder-to-reach areas can reduce plaque buildup, making cleanings quicker.
What Happens If I Skip My Cleanings
Skipping cleanings might save time in the short term, but it increases the risk of plaque and tartar buildup, cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Over time, this can lead to more extensive (and expensive) treatments like deep cleanings, crowns, or even extractions.
What is the iTero scanner, and why is it used?
The iTero scanner is a handheld device that creates a digital 3D model of your teeth, no goopy molds needed. We use it during exams or consultations for Invisalign and nightguards. It helps us get a more accurate picture of your oral health and track changes over time.
Protect Your Smile with Sundance Dental Clinic
Whether it’s been six months or a few years since your last cleaning, prioritizing dental hygiene is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health. At Sundance Dental Clinic, our caring team takes the time to make you feel comfortable while delivering quality care.If you’re due for your next cleaning, contact us today to book an appointment. We’d be happy to welcome you to our clinic and help you keep your smile healthy for years to come.
