What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning Appointment?
Once or twice every year, thousands of families head to their family dentists’ offices to have their teeth examined.
It is an important part of maintaining your overall health. For children and parents alike, attending dental appointments can be intimidating. How many steps are there? Will they be using instruments in my mouth? Are fluoride treatments dangerous for me?
What To Expect During Your Dental Appointment
Attending your dental exam every 6 months, which is the recommended time between exams, can be daunting if you don’t know what to expect. Here at Dr. Sekhon Family Dentistry, we understand that which is why we have put together this easy-to-read guide on the different steps of the teeth cleaning process so you can attend your appointment informed and ready to go!
Plaque Removal
The first thing that will happen once the receptionist allows you to go back into the dental office is you will be seated in the exam chair. A certified dental hygienist will remove any plaque from your teeth and make sure they are really sparkling for when your dentist examines your mouth!
They will use sterilized tools to scrape any plaque off of your teeth and below the gum line. Then, a tooth polisher is used to give your teeth a sparkling shine. The polisher will also help remove any excess plaque particles that may have been missed originally.
The plaque removal process is what most people are apprehensive about when it comes to their dentist appointments, however, rest assured it is completely safe. The more you learn about the plaque removal process, the less intimidating it will be!
Physical Exam
Now that your teeth are sparkling clean your hygienist will perform a physical exam of your teeth and gums. This step identifies any cracked or damaged teeth, inflammation on the gums, or anything more serious. sing a tool with a small mirror on the end, our dental hygienist inspects each side of the tooth to observe even the most cumbersome spots in your mouth. If anything of note is found, our hygienist will make a note of it and where it was found, and report it to the dentist when he comes to perform his dental examination.
Our hygienists take the time to explain what they’re doing to ensure you are comfortable at all times. They are there to help you!
Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are an important part of the dental checkup process. A teeth cleaning helps assess the surface of your teeth, whereas dental x-ray allows our team to examine below the surface to ensure there is no loss of bone density or any underlying issues that are not observable by the naked eye.
It is recommended you get a dental x-ray at least once a year so your dentist can track your oral health as closely as possible. Don’t hesitate to book your next dental appointment today!
Dental Exam
The dental exam is different from the physical examination your hygienist has performed. The dental exam is performed by your dentist! They will typically begin by feeling your jaw from the outside while you bite down to ensure the 
bite is smooth and your jaw doesn’t pop. They will also look at the grooves on your teeth to ensure none of them are broken or cracked.
The final thing to expect before your dentist has a full understanding of your oral health is for them to look at the X-rays that were taken.
They will confirm that there is no loss of bone or fractures on your teeth or below the gums. Once this has all been done, they will be able to prescribe any further treatments to you to keep your oral health in the best shape possible!
Dr. Sekhon Family Dental – Your Trusted Family Dental Experts!
Here at Dr. Sekhon Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing the highest quality service to our clients. We will ensure your entire family’s dental needs are taken care of in a low-stress environment, so even the most cautious of patients will be able to breathe easily. We pride ourselves on being a leading dental expert in the Ottawa area, so you are in good hands!
Contact us today to book an appointment so you can keep your teeth shining, no matter what age you are!