People typically go to their dentist once or twice a year for a proper dental It is practical to visit your dentist at least once a year, if not , to receive a dental cleaning.There are three main things that a dentist or dental hygienist will do during a regular office visit: x-rays to look for any tooth decay or bone loss, ensure there are no infections that may be occurring around the gum line, and removal of plaque buildup.On and around the teeth and gums, there are bacteria that live in the calcium-based deposits.Bacterial development can lead to infection of the teeth, surrounding gum area and bone.Infections in tissue that neighbor the teeth may cause the bone to withdraw which would leave the teeth exposed to bacteria and possible decay.As a result, tooth loss can leave an individual exposed to pain, further infection and decay, as well as constant head, neck or jaw pain due to the remaining teeth taking on the work of the missing teeth. In addition, gum disease has been linked with increased possibility of heart disease and diabetes.

Regular dental cleanings can prevent major dental problems. Most dental professionals will inquire about a patient’s day to day oral hygiene habits, and make suggestions or recommendations about how they can get better results based on their findings.

Dentists and oral hygienists utilize multiple tools to perform their work, including special tools called scalers, which can get to plaque buildup beneath the gum line.Some use ultrasonic tools that vibrate and break up any plaque, which is then rinsed away with water.Following a regular dental cleaning, polishing tools are used by the dentist to get rid of any remaining grime causing teeth to feel smooth and shiny.

During a traditional cleaning, the patient may have some x-rays taken to determine the presence of any cavities. If a patient has not had a cleaning for a long time, the process will likely take a bit longer than those who have frequent cleanings, but generally appointments last from thirty minutes to one hour. During a dental visit, if there is any pain experienced, the dentist should be notified immediately.