Our Services / Dental Cleanings

What are dental cleanings?

Dental cleanings protect your teeth, gums, and smile. During a cleaning, your dental hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and beneath your gums. Afterward, they floss your teeth, polish them, and apply other treatments (if necessary).

It’s important to schedule a dental cleaning at least twice a year, even if your teeth and gums appear healthy. Gum disease and cavities present few obvious symptoms in their early stages, so you might be at risk but not realize it. 

What is the process for dental cleanings?

At Dr. David Gleaner Family Dentistry, dental cleanings are a multi-step process:

Step one - Oral exam

Before cleaning your teeth, Dr. Gleaner conducts an oral exam. He uses a small mirror to look at your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, periodontal disease, or other abnormalities. He might also use gloved hands to further examine potential areas of concern, like a lump or an abscess. 

Step two - Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays use advanced technology to capture photos of your tooth roots and jaw. Dr. Gleaner uses X-rays to detect issues invisible to the eye, like cavities, pulp damage, and bone decay.  

Step three - Removal of dental calculus 

Following an oral exam and X-rays, a dental hygienist cleans your teeth of plaque and tartar.

Step four - Teeth polishing

After cleaning your teeth, your dental hygienist polishes them with special toothpaste. The toothpaste has microscopic abrasives in it that minimize the appearance of stains, making your teeth look brighter and whiter. 

Step five - Flossing

Next, your dental hygienist flosses your teeth. Flossing removes the remaining food particles and tartar from between your teeth. It also massages your gums. 

Step six - Fluoride and/or dental sealants

If you regularly experience cavities, Dr. Gleaner might recommend a protective treatment like fluoride or dental sealants. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens your tooth enamel, while sealants are protective coatings that prevent harmful bacteria from damaging your teeth. 

Do dental cleanings require any downtime?

No. After a dental cleaning, you can return to work and other normal activities right away. If Dr. Gleaner identifies an underlying issue, like a minor cavity or early indications of gum disease, he might recommend a follow-up appointment in a few weeks to ensure the condition doesn’t get worse. 

To explore the benefits of dental cleanings, make an appointment at Dr. David Gleaner Family Dentistry by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.