Nervous about your next teeth cleaning? You’re not alone. Many people experience some stress at the dentist’s office or feel uncomfortable about the oral health issues that they experience. To alleviate this anxiety, this blog will explain how a typical dental visit goes, from start to finish. That way, you will know exactly what to expect when you arrive for your regular cleaning:
Once you have been received by a receptionist, you will be guided to a cleaning room. There, you will meet with an experienced hygienist,who will accommodate the chair to make you more comfortable. You’ll be provided with sunglasses to protect your eyes from the overhead lights, and you can select your favourite program to watch on TV during your cleaning. A plastic cloth is placed over your shirt to keep your clothes clean. Your dental assistant will then ask you about your medical history, including any relevant conditions, allergies, or medications that you may be taking.
To begin the cleaning, your hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar that has built up along the surfaces of your teeth and near your gum line. This is done using a precise metal tool. Afterward, your certified dental assistant will floss between each tooth to remove any food. Water will be provided so that you can rinse your mouth and get rid of what was cleaned off your teeth.
The next step is that we’ll polish your teeth using a brush with a spinning head. We have a variety of flavours for you to choose from. To reduce discomfort, you will be able to rinse after each section of your mouth is cleaned. We understand that the gritty residue of the abrasive paste is unpleasant – that’s why we give you as much water and time as you need to rinse your mouth completely. Finally, a fluoride treatment will be applied to strengthen your teeth.
After your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, you will meet with a dentist. They will examine the health of every tooth using an angled mirror and search for any pockets or gaps. Your periodontal pockets will be measured to check for any early signs of gum disease. Once your mouth has been thoroughly inspected, we will take dental x-rays. This allows us to spot any issues below the surface of your mouth. We can see if there is any bone loss, tooth decay, abnormalities, or issues that may indicate oral cancer. A piece of plastic will be inserted into your mouth for you to bite down on while the x-rays are taken, and you will be provided with a lead apron. These modern machines emit very little radiation, and the process takes only a minute or two.
Following your appointment, you will meet with the receptionist again to schedule another cleaning in six months. Regular maintenance is the best method of preventative care and here at Winnipeg, WestSide Dental is is helping people to get their teeth cleaned in a professional manner. Are you looking for a Winnipeg dentist? WestSide Dental Group is here for you; our practice was founded on the belief that patients should be treated like family.
