How Long Does a Teeth Cleaning Take?

Why Do You Need to Get Regular Teeth Cleanings?

Our mouth has millions of bacteria. Some of them are healthy and needed for good oral health, but there are many types that can harm your teeth and gums. When you eat, these harmful bacteria combine with the remaining food bits and saliva and form a thin, sticky layer called plaque.

Plaque starts to harden within some time if it’s not cleaned. And as time passes, it can slowly cause cavities and gum disease.

Even with thorough brushing, some plaque in hard-to-reach areas can remain. So that’s why dentists advise getting routine dental cleanings to remove all that plaque and bacterial buildup from your teeth.

How Long Does a Teeth Cleaning Usually Take?

The short answer? Roughly half an hour to an hour, which covers everything, not just the cleaning part. To give you a better idea, let’s first walk through the steps of a dental cleaning.

Oral Exam

Your dentist or dental hygienist will start with a routine checkup. It’s completely pain-free. They simply use a dental mirror or probe to see if there’s any plaque or tartar on your teeth.

If they seem necessary, they may take an X-ray to check for cavities or gum infections.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

Moving on to the main part, this is the step where your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaling equipment to clean your teeth. If your teeth feel too sensitive, your dentist may apply a topical anesthetic gel first, which helps keep that area numb.

The scaler works quickly to remove plaque and tartar, even from hard-to-reach areas.

Polishing

Next, using a gritty toothpaste, your dentist will carefully polish your teeth. They typically use an electronic brush for this step.

It will also make your teeth look cleaner and whiter!

After a routine teeth cleaning, many dentists also apply a fluoride gel or varnish to keep your teeth cavity-free.

Caring for Your Teeth After a Dental Cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning is typically quick and painless. But afterward, your teeth and gums may feel a little sensitive. Don’t worry, it only lasts a short time.

For a few days, it’s best for you to avoid too hot or too cold foods/drinks like tea, coffee, ice cream, etc. Also, be more careful while brushing your teeth to make sure your gums are not hurt.

Summing Up

If you’re planning for a routine dental cleaning and thinking about how long it will take, you’ll need to take about an hour out of your schedule. To get a more accurate timeline, talk to our dentists at Family Kare Dental of Cinco Ranch today! Call (281) 392-3022 to make an appointment with us.