How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?

Millions of adults experience anxiety about routine dental visits. However, getting a professional dental cleaning is a critical part of maintaining optimal oral health and avoiding gum disease. Fortunately, visiting the dentist twice a year is key to quick, painless, low-anxiety dental visits that only take approximately an hour or less. Below is more information about a routine dental visit and professional cleaning, including how long you can expect the average appointment to take.

Professional Dental Cleanings: The Key to Oral Health

Each routine dental checkup usually involves a standard professional dental cleaning. During a professional cleaning, a certified dental hygienist will remove the excess buildup of plaque and tartar from along the gumline. Once the teeth are cleaned, the next step is polishing the surface of the teeth. This cleaning and polishing process results in teeth that are not only white and shiny, but it also helps make it harder for plaque and tartar to collect on the surface of the teeth. Dental cleanings are so important because tartar and plaque build up on the surface of the teeth even with daily brushing and flossing. Over time, this buildup can contribute to the development of gum disease. It is recommended that all adults have their teeth professionally cleaned every 6-12 months.

What is Plaque and Tartar?

The goal of a professional dental cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar that build up on the teeth over time. Dental plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled substance caused by food, saliva, and bacteria that can be harmful and cause gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated. Tartar is a hardened substance that also builds up on the teeth and contributes to tooth decay. Good daily oral hygiene is essential in preventing tartar buildup and gum disease between professional dental cleanings.

Routine dental visits are essential because oral hygienists use specialized tools to gently remove the plaque and tartar that have accumulated. Dental hygienists most commonly use handheld and ultrasonic tools to remove hardened tartar and plaque. The ultrasonic tools produce mild vibrations to loosen and rinse away larger pieces of tartar.

How Long Does a Typical Dental Cleaning Take?

With good daily oral hygiene habits, most dental cleanings are quick and relatively painless. Fortunately, besides some mild vibrations and pressure during the scraping process, most adults experience little discomfort and are happy with the immediately visible results. The average dental cleaning takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour. After the appointment, most adults notice their teeth feel fresher, look brighter, and are stain-free. For adults who are less consistent with their daily oral hygiene, dental cleanings may take longer and may result in more discomfort.

If you have had a dental cleaning in the past that was long or uncomfortable, it may be helpful to speak with your dentist or hygienist before your next appointment and share your experience. Your dental provider can discuss their plan for the visit and may have some alternative approaches to make your cleaning more comfortable.

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