Scheduling Your Dental Cleaning: How Long Will You Be At The Dentist?
Going to the dentist does not have to be a drag. Honestly, the length of your dental appointment is primarily up to you.
How Long Will Your Teeth Cleaning Take: Its Really Up To You!
An average teeth cleaning takes about 30 to 60 minutes, but the time can vary depending on a number of factors. The good news is that the primary factor is totally in your own hands, and is dictated by your oral hygiene practices. The better shape your teeth are in, the faster your checkup will be.
This is great news for those who are busy during the day, or are at all nervous around dentist offices. You actually have the power to reduce the time spent at the dentist’s office, and can even create a more enjoyable experience for yourself by keeping your teeth clean and healthy with strong, daily hygienic practices.
The fact is that much of the dental cleaning is wrapped up in removing the plaque and tartar that has built up in your mouth. The time this process takes is almost solely dependent on how much plaque and tartar there is to remove.
In the end, cleaner teeth equals less time.
There is one catch, however: there will always be at least a little plaque and tartar that will need to be removed. This is one reason why regular dental cleanings and checkups are so important.
Other Factors That Influence How Long Your Cleaning Will Be
This brings us to another great point. You can actually reduce the time of individual teeth cleanings by going to the dentist regularly. However, depending on particular oral health circumstances your doctor may prescribe a different timeline.
Several factors influence how long your tooth cleaning can last. These factors can include the speed at which your dentist/dental hygienist works, the number of patients that are in the office and the addition of any corrective procedures that may be necessary for your to undergo
Sometimes, your teeth cleaning may take a little longer than you expected. A busy day at the dentist’s office can sometimes slow down your appointment. In other cases, there can be unexpected issues that arise with other patients, which can delay your dentist from seeing you in the most expedient manner.
If your dentist does find a cavity or other issue, he or she will have to take extra time to explain to you what the problem is and what it will take to correct it. Or, your dentist may ask you to simply have the procedure done right then and there – this is most common with a simple cavity filling.
When planning to go to the dentist, it is best to plan for at least a 30 minute visit. To stay on the safe side, you may want to consider reserving an hour of time.
What To Expect When You Getting Your Teeth Cleaned
Now it is time to dive into what you will experience at a routine teeth cleaning. The simplest cleanings are the routine checkups of a regular, returning patient. This is because the cleaning can commence right away – without all of the new patient forms and insurance documentation.
Upon being brought back to your patient room, the hygienist will ask you a series of health-related questions. These questions can help your dentist gain a better understanding of your overall health, allowing them to create a personalized treatment plan on your behalf.
The cleaning process is rather simple. Your dental hygienist will:
- Remove stains, plaque and tartar from your teeth
- Evaluate your gum health
- Take notes of any signs of other oral health concerns
- Polish your teeth
- Floss your teeth
Once this cleaning process is complete, your dentist will come in and inspect your mouth and throat, evaluate the hygienist’s work to ensure all of your teeth are clean and bright, and recommend any further treatment if necessary.
Why Regular Teeth Cleanings Are Important
Getting your teeth cleaned every six months is one of the most important steps in preventing any oral health problems from arising. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while or would like to receive a high-quality teeth cleaning, schedule a dental checkup today. Same day appointments are available today by calling (702) 852-2829.
