Teeth Cleaning Specialist

What happens during a teeth cleaning treatment?

Each cleaning appointment starts with a physical examination of your oral health. The dental staff checks your teeth and gums for early signs of disease or decay. They can also address other common issues, such as bad breath or unexplained sensitivity or pain.

The dental hygienist then begins the cleaning process by focusing on removing plaque and tartar buildup both on the teeth and below the gum line. Because your dental professional uses a scaler device to scrape away debris and bacteria, it’s normal to hear a scraping sound. Don’t worry, for most people the scaling process is painless.

The hygienist follows up with a thorough polishing of your teeth by using a gritty toothpaste to remove remaining debris and to make your teeth shiny. They also floss between teeth before applying a fluoride treatment.

Why do I need a fluoride treatment?

A fluoride treatment follows each professional cleaning. This type of treatment is a great defense for fighting cavities until your next cleaning.

The hygienist applies a gel or a paste onto a mouthpiece before fitting it over your teeth. Alternatively, your dental professional can apply fluoride with a small brush, which hardens when it makes contact with your saliva. Following your treatment, you can eat and drink normally. Continue to use a high-quality, cavity-fighting toothpaste to reduce your risk for tooth decay.

Will I need X-rays?

As part of the dental cleaning process, The Diablo Dental Group takes X-rays of your mouth to evaluate your overall dental health. Dental X-rays are a painless procedure that allows the dental team to assess the health of your teeth and gums, especially the areas below the gum line. This proactive step identifies problems in their earliest stages. If the team discovers any dental issues, such as cavities or early gum disease, they will help you schedule a follow-up appointment to address them.

The Diablo Dental Group offers the latest technologies to get your teeth clean and shiny. If it’s been more than six months since your last teeth cleaning, schedule an appointment today, online or by phone.