subject: Going To The Dentist For A Cleaning [print this page] When you go to a dental office for a routine checkup you often see not one but two dental health professionals- the dentist and the dental hygienist. In many offices the patient will be seen by the hygienist first. This professional will give the gums and teeth a look over, followed by scaling, cleaning and polishing the teeth. The dental hygienist might also instruct the patient in how to properly care for their gums and teeth at home (i.e. how to brush the teeth correctly and how to floss correctly).
The dentist will then see the patient and will go through the steps involved in a clinical examination of the mouth. The dental provider will be able to diagnose any problems that have gotten underway and/or will be able to suggest preventative maintenance for the gums and teeth. He will also be able to recommend any treatments that he feels are required for the betterment of the patient's oral health.
The cleanings you do at home with your own toothbrush are an integral part of your oral hygiene routine. But in and of itself it is not enough. Professional dental cleanings are also important. There are things that your hygienist can do and instruments that he/she has that you do not.
What to Expect From a Cleaning
The purpose behind a cleaning at the dentist office is to remove the hard calculus known as tartar that builds up on the teeth above as well as below the gum line. When you brush and floss at home you are able to get rid of plaque but only dental instruments that the hygienist possesses can get rid of the calculus. Some hygienists make use of hand instruments only to perform their tasks while others will also use ultrasonic instruments if there are large areas of tartar present.
Once the calculus has been removed then polishing is the next step in the cleaning process. The crowns of the teeth which are the parts of the teeth that you can see are polished by the hygienist to eliminate plaque as well as surface stains on the teeth. If there are a lot of stains or stubborn stains then a small rotating rubber cup or brush and an abrasive substance applied directly to the teeth may be used in addition to the polishing.
Both the dentist as well as the dental hygienist can offer advice and suggestions on how to prevent problems from cropping up in your mouth and how to best care for your teeth at home. Young patients will be taught by the hygienist or dental provider how to brush and floss their teeth in the correct manner. Preventative care for the teeth is an important aspect of taking care of your oral health and keeping on top of things. Together your dentist, your hygienist and you work together to form a dental team that keeps your teeth and gums in excellent condition!
