Maintaining a bright and healthy smile requires more than just brushing and flossing at home. Regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing oral health problems and ensuring long-term dental wellness. People should get a professional tooth cleaning at least twice a year to maintain optimal oral health. A professional teeth cleaning is not only used to clean the patient’s teeth; it is also crucial for preventing the development or worsening of dental problems later on.

At a skilled and trusted dental office like ours, we follow a detailed and compassionate approach to caring for your child’s smile. From carefully checking each tooth to gently removing buildup and leaving teeth sparkling clean, every part of the visit is thoughtfully designed to support lifelong oral health in the most comfortable way possible.

Want to learn about the specific steps that are performed during a professional tooth cleaning procedure? Continue reading to discover everything involved in this important preventive care treatment.

The Steps That Are Performed During A Professional Tooth Cleaning In Schaumburg, IL

A comprehensive dental cleaning visit includes several key steps, each aimed at thoroughly removing plaque, tartar, and buildup while also protecting your long-term oral health. From an initial examination to polishing and fluoride treatment, every stage plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy smile. For tips on how to care for your gums between visits, check out our blog page: Dental Cleanings: What You Should Do for Healthy Gums.

The Examination:

The first step in a routine dental care visit is a comprehensive oral health evaluation. During this important part of the appointment, the dental hygienist or dentist takes a close and careful look at the patient’s teeth, gums, and overall oral structures. Using a small mirror and specialized dental instruments, they examine for signs of gum inflammation, cavities, early stages of oral cancer, enamel wear, and other potential concerns that might not be immediately noticeable.

This evaluation plays a vital role in maintaining long-term dental health. It helps the dental team identify areas that need special attention and determine whether additional care or treatment is necessary. Catching issues like gum disease or tooth decay early can lead to simpler, less invasive treatments and better outcomes for the patient.

Remove Plaque And Tartar Buildup:

During a professional cleaning, any plaque and tartar buildup is carefully removed from the surface of the teeth and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky, nearly invisible film of bacteria that forms constantly and, if not removed through daily brushing and routine cleanings, can harden into tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar can only be removed with specialized dental tools. Practicing good oral hygiene at home, along with helpful habits like those shared in our blog, Proper Toothbrush Storage, can support cleaner, healthier smiles between visits.

Tartar removal is vital because it reduces the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. During the tooth cleaning procedure, special tools like scalers are used to meticulously scrape off hardened deposits without damaging the enamel. By removing plaque and tartar, we protect your teeth against future oral health complications.

Prevent Further Tartar Accumulation:

After removing plaque and tartar, the roots of the patient’s teeth are smoothed out in a process known as root planing. Smoothing the root surfaces helps prevent further tartar buildup and promotes the reattachment of the gums to the teeth if any detachment has occurred due to periodontal disease.

This proactive step is crucial for gum health, as it minimizes spaces where bacteria can hide and multiply. When combined with diligent oral hygiene at home and regular dental cleanings, root planing helps maintain a strong foundation for your teeth.

Tooth Polishing:

The teeth are then polished using a high-powered electric brush paired with a gritty, flavored toothpaste. Tooth polishing serves several purposes: it removes any remaining surface stains, smooths the enamel, and leaves the teeth feeling exceptionally clean.

Polishing makes it harder for plaque and debris to stick to the teeth in the future, contributing to a longer-lasting clean. Plus, the polished finish enhances the appearance of your smile, leaving it brighter and more radiant after every teeth cleaning session.

Flossing:

Expert flossing between the teeth will be performed to finalize the cleaning procedure. Flossing ensures that any remaining plaque, tartar, or debris between the teeth and below the gumline is removed, areas that regular brushing often misses.

Additionally, the dental hygienist assesses the condition of the patient’s gums during flossing. If bleeding is noticed in certain areas, it could indicate the presence of gum disease or areas requiring more attention during home care. Professional flossing plays a vital role in preserving gum health and preventing periodontal problems.

Fluoride Treatment:

Lastly, a fluoride treatment is applied to the teeth to strengthen the enamel and help guard against cavities. Fluoride is a natural mineral known for its ability to rebuild weakened tooth enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay.

This final step offers extra protection until the patient’s next visit for regular dental cleanings. Patients can typically choose from various fluoride flavors, and the treatment usually takes only a few minutes to complete while providing months of benefit.

See Us Now So We Can Give You A Quality Professional Tooth Cleaning

At our welcoming and modern dental office, we’re committed to providing gentle, personalized care that puts your comfort first. Every visit is designed to boost both the health and appearance of your smile, leaving you feeling refreshed and confident. If you're beginning your search for a trusted dental home, our approach perfectly complements the guidance shared in our blog Finding the Right Dentist Near You.

Don’t hesitate to improve your smile and oral health with us. Get in contact with our doctors, Dr. Jignesh Patel, and our exceptional team at Schaumburg Dental Studio to schedule your appointment today for a thorough, gentle, and effective professional dental cleaning.