Life gets busy, but we still find time for the things we love or that benefit our wellness. Between workout classes and a thriving social life, make the time to support your oral health.
As you book in time for your dental cleaning, keep in mind that a routine appointment can take around 60 minutes, though several factors will also influence this time, such as:
- Your current oral health.
- Time since your last cleaning.
- Your overall general health.
Quality care takes time, which is why we offer bacterial testing along with every dental cleaning. This helps us uncover any concerns early and develop an oral care routine that aligns with your unique needs.
The Timeline of a Dental Cleaning
Everyone’s experience in the exam chair is unique, but each dental cleaning follows a similar structure. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect during each phase of your 60-minute dental cleaning and exam:
Initial Assessment & X-rays (5-10 Minutes)
We always start with a brief assessment of your oral health. Your dental hygienist will review your medical history, discuss any concerns you might have, and examine your mouth.
If it’s been a while since your last X-rays, we’ll take updated scans. These images allow us to see issues below the gum line, such as cavities between teeth or bone loss.
Plaque & Tartar Removal (15-20 Minutes)
This stage makes up the bulk of your cleaning appointment.
With a scaler, your hygienist carefully scrapes plaque, tartar, and debris that’s wedged between your teeth and along the gum line.
Plaque is the soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day (that’s why we encourage daily brushing and flossing), while tartar is hardened plaque. Only a dental professional can remove tartar.
Removing this debris can feel uncomfortable, especially if you have significant buildup, sensitive teeth, or inflamed gums, but it shouldn’t feel painful. If you need to take it slow, let your hygienist know.
Tooth Polishing (5-10 Minutes)
With an electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste, your hygienist polishes your teeth. This helps remove any remaining plaque and surface stains, and prevents future plaque buildup from adhering to your teeth, leaving your pearly whites feeling smooth and looking brighter.
Flossing, Fluoride & Final Rinse (10 Minutes)
Your hygienist will floss between all your teeth to remove any leftover debris and toothpaste. It’s also a great opportunity for them to share flossing tips and any areas that might benefit from extra flossing attention.
The end of your cleaning nears with a fluoride treatment. Gel, foam, rinse, or flavour, the way we apply this treatment is up to you. It strengthens your enamel and guards against cavities.
We finish with a rinse, so that you’re completely clean before your dental exam.
Dental Examination (5-10 minutes)
Your dentist performs a brief exam, carefully assessing your teeth, gums, and mouth. They’ll look for cavities, gum disease, signs of oral cancer, and other potential issues like impacted teeth or teeth grinding.
Based on these findings, they’ll review oral care or recommend any treatments or follow-up appointments.
The Length of Your Dental Cleaning: Factors to Consider
A 60-minute timeframe is just a general guideline.
If it’s been a while since your dental cleaning or you’re prone to certain oral health concerns, understanding that the duration of your visit might be longer can help you set realistic expectations.
Your Oral Health
People with gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) often require longer appointments because their hygienist needs to clean deeper beneath the gum line. In some cases, you might need multiple appointments to complete a thorough cleaning.
Some people naturally accumulate plaque and tartar more quickly than others because of factors like saliva composition, tooth alignment, and genetics. Additionally, if you have crowns, bridges, braces, or other dental work, your hygienist will need extra time to clean around these restorations properly.
Your Last Cleaning
The Canadian Dental Association recommends professional cleanings every 6 months for most people. If you maintain excellent oral hygiene and visit regularly for cleanings, your appointment will likely fall on the shorter end of the timeframe.
However, if you have significant plaque and tartar buildup, gum inflammation, or haven’t had a cleaning in a while, your hygienist will need more time to thoroughly clean your teeth.
General Health
Older adults or patients with certain health conditions (like diabetes) might need longer cleaning appointments.
Some medications can affect oral health by reducing saliva flow, making thorough cleaning more challenging and time-consuming.
Make the Most of Your Cleaning
Many of us recognize the value and importance of visiting the dentist for routine check-ups, but prefer keeping things short and sweet. If you want to streamline your visits, here’s how you can make the most of your cleanings:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: The most efficient way to keep your cleanings quick and pleasant is to take excellent care of your teeth at home. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash. Good home care reduces plaque buildup, making your hygienist’s job easier and faster.
- Communicate with Your Dental Team: Don’t hesitate to mention any sensitivity, anxiety, or concerns before your cleaning begins. Your hygienist can adjust their techniques or recommend solutions to make you more comfortable. If you experience pain during the cleaning, let them know immediately.
- Follow Post-Cleaning Instructions: Your hygienist might recommend specific products or techniques based on your needs. Following their advice helps maintain your oral health between visits and can make future cleanings even more efficient.
Make Time for Your Beautiful Smile
Daily brushing and flossing are a must for every morning and night routine, but they can’t replace the value of routine dental cleanings and exams.
60 minutes, twice a year. For some people, that’s all it takes, but the benefits of these visits last much longer. Whether you’re due for a dental cleaning or it’s been a while since your appointment, make time for your beautiful smile. Schedule a routine dental cleaning and exam with Palermo Village Dental today!
