For some people, the thought of a dental cleaning brings up a little nervousness. You know you should go, but you’re not entirely sure what actually happens once you’re in the chair.
At Hermitage Dental in Edmonton, we understand that feeling completely. That’s why we want to walk you through exactly what happens during a professional cleaning, step by step. No surprises. No jargon. Just a clear tour of what to expect.
Step 1: The Welcome and Chat
It starts the moment you walk through our doors. Our front desk team will greet you with a warm smile. They’ll check you in, answer any quick questions, and make sure you’re comfortable.
If you’re a new patient, you’ll fill out some basic health history forms. This helps us understand your overall health and any medications that might affect your dental care. We want the full picture before we begin.
Step 2: The Exam
Before we start cleaning, one of our hygienists will take a close look at your mouth. They’ll use a small mirror to check your teeth and gums for any obvious signs of trouble, such as cavities, swelling, or areas that look irritated.
They’ll also gently probe the spaces between your teeth and gums to measure their depth. Shallow pockets are a sign of healthy gums. Deeper pockets can indicate gum disease. This quick check helps us understand the current state of your oral health.
If it’s time for your regular X-rays, we’ll take those too. X-rays help us see what’s happening below the surface, like decay between teeth or issues with the roots.
Step 3: The Scaling (The Real Cleaning)
Now comes the main event: scaling. This is where we remove the plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth over time. Plaque is that sticky film that forms every day. When it hardens, it becomes tartar, and tartar can’t be removed with regular brushing.
Our hygienist uses special instruments to gently scrape away these deposits. You might hear some scraping sounds, and that’s perfectly normal. We focus on the areas along your gumline and between your teeth, where buildup loves to hide.
If you have more buildup, this step might take a little longer. But our hygienists are gentle, thorough, and, as patient reviews often mention, wonderfully funny. They’ll keep you at ease the whole time.
Step 4: The Polish
Once your teeth are free of plaque and tartar, we move on to polishing. We use a small, rubber cup that spins and a special gritty toothpaste. This step smooths out the surfaces of your teeth and removes any remaining stains.
It feels a bit like a gentle massage for your teeth. The paste comes in flavors like mint or bubblegum, so you can even pick one that makes you smile.
Step 5: Flossing and Rinsing
Even after all that, our hygienist will floss between every single tooth. This ensures that any loosened debris is completely gone. It also gives us a chance to check that your gums are healthy and not bleeding excessively, which can be an early sign of gum issues.
After flossing, you’ll rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride rinse. It leaves your mouth feeling fresh, smooth, and squeaky clean.
Step 6: The Dentist’s Check
Finally, Dr. Chandy or another dentist on our team will come in to review your X-rays and do a final examination. They’ll check for any cavities, look at the health of your gums, and talk with you about any concerns they’ve spotted.
This is also your chance to ask questions. Have you noticed sensitivity? Are you curious about whitening? Do you grind your teeth at night? This is the time to bring it up. We’re here to listen and offer honest, no-pressure advice.
Step 7: Your Next Visit
Before you leave, we’ll schedule your next cleaning, usually in about six months. Regular cleanings are the best way to prevent small issues from becoming big ones.
A Clean Mouth Feels Amazing
A professional cleaning leaves your teeth feeling smooth and your mouth feeling fresh. It’s one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. At Hermitage Dental, we follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, and we never recommend unnecessary treatments. We’re just here to help you keep your smile healthy.
Ready for your next cleaning? Call us at 587-806-4168 or book an appointment online. We’ll save you a spot and make sure you feel right at home.