There is a reason that your dentist in Meridian talks about the importance of preventive dentistry like dental cleanings. Daily dental care and regular visits to a professional are both necessary for the best dental health. In addition to helping your teeth to stay smooth and white, dental cleanings allow us to spot dental decay before it has the chance to do serious damage. We can also identify other oral health problems that could jeopardize your health.

What Happens During Dental Cleanings

You can feel relaxed about your upcoming dental cleaning. There is a reason that our team of clinicians is known as some of the best dentists in Meridian. Preventive care through dental cleanings is easy, fast, and incredibly effective. Here is a step-by-step list of what to expect during your next professional cleaning.

X-Rays and Discussion With Your Hygienist

Before your dental exam begins, our hygienists will check your dental records to see if you have any recent X-rays on file. X-rays are essential for detecting cavities and infections below the gum line. If you don’t have any current X-rays, our clinicians might recommend taking them. This is especially important if you have been struggling with dental pain or sensitivity. Your hygienist will then talk with you about any problem areas you might be concerned about.

Calculus Removal

Next, your hygienist will use a variety of dental tools to gently clean plaque and tartar off of your teeth. During this stage, your hygienist will look for problems like cavities, inflammation, and decay.

Professional Brushing and Flossing

After your calculus removal, your hygienist will use ultra-sonic brushing tools to polish your teeth. A mildly abrasive toothpaste is used to remove leftover plaque and tartar that may have been missed during the calculus cleaning. After the teeth are brushed and flossed carefully at each point of contact, your teeth are rinsed with water.

Inspection by the Dentist

After your teeth are clean, they are carefully examined by one of our dentists. Our dentists with talk with the hygienist about any findings and do a final inspection of your teeth. The dentist looks for signs of dental decay and talks with you about your teeth. Our goal is to make sure that we catch current issues and prevent any future issues with your teeth. Our dentists want to make sure they address every question or dental issue before you leave our office.

Fluoride Treatment

Before you leave, you may be asked to rinse for two minutes with a powerful fluoride mouthwash, or we may paint a fluoride-containing compound directly onto your teeth. This fluoride treatment strengthens dental enamel on a molecular level, while simultaneously neutralizing bacterial acids.

Follow Up Appointments

If our clinicians uncover dental decay, they will ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment to have the problems addressed. Our office is incredibly flexible to help patients get the preventive dental care they need.