There is a reason that your dentist in Meridian talks about the importance of 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 looking smooth and white, dental cleanings can also give our clinicians the opportunity to spot dental decay before it has the chance to do serious damage, and to identify other oral health problems that could jeopardize your health.

What Happens During Dental Cleanings

Don’t worry about your upcoming dental cleaning. There is a reason that our team of clinicians are known as some of the best dentists in Meridian. Dental cleanings are 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, 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 getting a set of X-rays taken, especially if you have been struggling with dental pain or sensitivity. After X-rays, your hygienist will talk with you about any problems you have been having with your teeth.

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 also 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, they are flossed carefully at each point of contact, and then your teeth will be rinsed with water.

Inspection by the Dentist

After your teeth are clean, they will be carefully examined by one of our dentists. In addition to talking with the hygienist about any findings, our dentists will look for other signs of dental decay and talk with you about your teeth. Our goal is to make sure that we have addressed every single 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 and we love helping patients to get the care they need.