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When you sit back in the chair at your dentist’s office and they tell you to open wide, do you have any idea what they’re about to do? A visit to the dentist can be intimidating for many people for exactly this reason. For patients to feel more comfortable, Dr. Michael L. Kinsley, D.M.D. in Perry, GA, says it’s important to know what to expect when you head to the dentist for your next teeth cleaning, so he takes time to educate his patients on what the procedure entails.

To give you a better idea of what the dentist will do at your next appointment, take a look at the steps dentists take when performing teeth cleanings:

  • Physical Examination: To start, a dentist will exam your whole mouth, carefully looking at your teeth, gums, and other tissues. This allows them to spot any potential problems, like cavities, which may need extra attention.
  • Plaque & Tartar Removal: Using a special dental tool called a scaler, a dentist or hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar on your teeth. Usually, this builds up around the gum line and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed.

teeth cleaning

  • High-Powered Cleaning: After ridding your teeth of plaque and tartar, next up is a high-powered cleaning using an electric brush. This gives the teeth a thorough cleaning and polishes them for a brighter smile.
  • Flossing: To ensure nothing is stuck in your teeth, like left-over food, a dentist will floss between each one. If you don’t floss regularly at home, this can be slightly uncomfortable and you may notice some bleeding of the gums.
  • Fluoride Application: Finally, after rinsing your mouth completely, the dentist will apply a fluoride treatment to your teeth. Fluoride works as a barrier for your teeth, aiding in the prevention of cavities.

While these five steps are always completed during a teeth cleaning, your dentist may decide to perform additional treatments they deem necessary. For example, they may apply sealants to your molar teeth to help protect them against decay, or order a series of dental X-rays. They may even suggest you return for more in-depth treatments, like fillings for cavities.

If you’re in need of a teeth cleaning and live in the Houston County, GA, area, call Dr. Michael L. Kinsley, D.M.D. to schedule an appointment. You can reach this dentist office at (478) 987-1441. In the meantime, visit Dr. Kinsley’s website for a closer look at his practice and dental procedures he offers, including sedation dentistry.

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