Dental cleanings are one of the most important oral health procedures you will receive at your dentist’s office. They keep your teeth clean and healthy, your gums free from disease, and your smile looking bright.

However, many people find them uncomfortable or even frightening to go through. If you are one of these people, our comprehensive guide to dental cleanings will let you know what to expect and will help put your mind at ease during your next dentist’s appointment.

What is Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleaning is the process of scraping plaque and tartar off of a patient’s teeth. Cleanings may be performed by dentists or dental hygienists and may involve a variety of tools, including polishers and metal or ultrasonic scalers.

Dental cleanings are essential to good oral health. They help prevent gum disease and tooth decay, and they even make your teeth look whiter afterward.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

A typical dental cleaning happens in 6 stages.

1. A Physical Exam

All dental cleanings begin with a quick examination of your mouth. This step helps your dentist or hygienist determine how much tartar you have on your teeth, which tools they will need to use, and approximately how much time it will take to get the job done.

2. Removing Plaque and Tartar

Once your oral health needs have been assessed, your dentist or dental hygienist will carefully scrape the plaque and tartar off your teeth using a scaling instrument. This is the longest part of dental cleaning as well as the most important.

How long does a dental cleaning take? It depends, but most people are in the chair for at least a half hour. By the end, your teeth and gums will be free of tartar and feel smooth to the touch.

3. Polishing

When all the tartar has been removed from your teeth, your dentist or hygienist will polish your teeth with a special tool and a gritty paste. This process will scrape away any remaining particles of tartar and make your teeth look whiter and shinier than before.

4. Expert Flossing

Once the toothpaste has done its job, your dentist or hygienist will carefully floss any remaining plaque from between your teeth. Their expertise allows them to reach every nook and cranny in your teeth and gums, including those hard-to-reach spots you may miss during your own flossing routine. This ensures that your mouth is as clean as possible when you leave your dentist’s office.

5. Rinsing

After your cleaning is complete, your dentist or hygienist will give you a cup of liquid fluoride solution to rinse with. You will be asked to swish this solution around in your mouth and then spit it into the office’s sink. This will remove any debris from your mouth and give your teeth a small fluoride boost.

6. Application of Fluoride Treatment

Depending on your needs, your dentist may end your cleaning with a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth. The fluoride will be applied to your teeth in either foam or gel form. You will then be asked to keep that foam or gel on your teeth for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Other Potential Steps

During one of the two cleanings you should receive each year, you will also need to get dental X-rays done. These X-rays will help your dentist assess your oral health in greater detail and identify problems like tooth decay, tooth resorption, and bone loss.

Depending on your age, decay risk, and other factors, your dentist may recommend additional procedures during your cleaning appointment. For example, many young children have sealants applied to their molars during a dental cleaning to help protect their teeth while they learn to master brushing and flossing.

Who Should Get a Dental Cleaning and Why?

Everyone should visit their dentist for a dental cleaning at least once every 6 months. Some people with heavy tartar build-up, severe gum disease, or other oral health problems may need more frequent cleanings.

Adhering to this schedule keeps your teeth smooth and makes it difficult for bacteria to stick to them. This protects your teeth and gums from disease and gives you the best chance of maintaining good oral health for life. Seeing your dentist frequently also allows them to catch and treat any oral health problems you may be developing as early as possible.

Possible Complications and Risks

Dental cleanings are completely safe when they are performed by a qualified dental professional. However, performing a cleaning improperly may injure your gums or damage your enamel.

Do not attempt to perform a dental cleaning on your own teeth or on a friend’s or family member’s teeth. If you do not have the correct training, you will probably cause more harm than good. Leave the job to the professionals who have the tools and expertise needed to do it safely.

Dental cleanings may also be uncomfortable for some people, especially those with a history of gum disease. Any pain you experience is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Your teeth may also be slightly sensitive for a few days after your cleaning. Both the sensitivity and the pain should subside within a week of your cleaning appointment.

Get a Stress-Free Dental Cleaning in Mississauga

Are you due for your next dental cleaning? Trillium Smile Dentistry is the place to go. Our friendly staff understands that cleanings make many patients nervous, so we do everything we can to help you relax and unwind while you are in our care.

We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about dental cleaning costs, the tools we use, or any other aspects of our services. Contact us today to book your next dental appointment and see what a pleasant experience a dental cleaning can be.

A beautiful smile can give you the confidence you need to live your best life. If you are unhappy with the shape, size, colour, or alignment of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry treatments can help you disguise these imperfections. Keep reading to learn more about a few of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments in Mississauga and how you can find the right dental clinic to perform them for you.

Top 8 Procedures for Cosmetic Dentistry in Mississauga

1. White Fillings

Decayed teeth must be filled, but that does not mean you have to settle for unsightly metal fillings. White fillings are a modern alternative to traditional mercury fillings that offer excellent durability and impeccable aesthetics.

White fillings are made from an advanced form of resin composite that binds to your tooth enamel to seal out decay and make it look as if your tooth was never altered at all. You can get white fillings in newly filled teeth or have old metal fillings replaced with white ones for the superior cosmetics they offer.

2. Dental Aligners

Dental aligners like Invisalign are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available. They can make a dramatic difference to your smile, straightening out all of the little imperfections that stand out to you every time you look in the mirror.

You can use aligner trays like Invisalign to correct mild-to-moderate alignment problems in as little as 6 months. This will not only make your teeth look better but also improve your bite.

3. Teeth Whitening

If you are looking for a cosmetic dental treatment that is fast, affordable, and delivers immediate, noticeable results, teeth whitening is your best bet. In-office teeth whitening treatments use high-grade bleach and special lights to achieve a much whiter shade than over-the-counter whitening treatments can provide.

If you plan on getting other cosmetic dental treatments like veneers or crowns, consider getting your teeth whitened first. This will allow you to choose a whiter shade for those restorations without disrupting the harmony of your smile.

4. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a great way to get a Hollywood smile in just a few dental appointments. These thin sheets of porcelain are fabricated in a lab according to your specific measurements. They are then attached to your teeth using a special dental adhesive.

Veneers are a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that can completely change the look of your teeth. They are also long-lasting, often looking just as great after more than a decade of wear.

5. Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is the process of applying resin composite (the same material that white fillings are made from) to teeth for cosmetic purposes.

Dental bonding can be used to hide discoloured areas on your teeth or to reshape teeth that are too small. They can also be used to close small gaps between your teeth without the need for orthodontic treatment.

6. Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are small caps that are custom-made to fit over specific teeth in your mouth. Because they are very strong, they are often used to reinforce a tooth’s structural integrity after a root canal. They may also be used to anchor a fixed dental bridge.

Crowns are also sometimes used for cosmetic purposes. If there is a tooth in your mouth that has suffered significant wear or decay, placing a crown over it will restore its structure and appearance. As a bonus, it will also improve the tooth’s function and may even enhance your facial structure.

7. Dental Implants

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants are the ideal solution to your problem. These prosthetic teeth are affixed to titanium screws that are surgically implanted deep in your jawbone.

Dental implants are extremely convincing replicas. Most people cannot tell an implant from a natural tooth. In addition, dental implants also stimulate the bone they are anchored to. This prevents bone loss in your jaw and helps your face maintain a full, youthful shape.

8. Cosmetic Teeth Shaping

If your teeth are slightly too long or have small overlaps that do not affect your bite, your dentist can reshape them by shaving down a thin layer of your enamel. This does not affect the structure of your teeth or make them more susceptible to decay. It simply alters their shape to make them more aesthetically pleasing.

Cosmetic teeth shaving works best on front teeth with very minor imperfections. Your dentist will let you know if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

How to Choose the Best Cosmetic Dentistry Services in Mississauga

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist for you can be a trying process. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision.

Call Us Today for Gorgeous Cosmetic Dentistry in Mississauga

If you are interested in the cosmetic dental treatments described above, it is time to book an appointment at Trillium Smile Dentistry. Our dental clinic is a top choice for Mississauga residents searching for “cosmetic dentistry near me.” Contact us today for further details on our cosmetic dentistry services and take the first steps toward that radiant smile you have always wanted.

Also Read:

• Top Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry to Bring Back Your Smile
• What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Do?