One of the functions of dental cleanings is to remove plaque and tartar (the hardened form of plaque) from your teeth. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a cleaning, though, you might be wondering if a regular cleaning will be enough to get the job done. To help you figure out what to expect, let’s delve deeper into what a standard cleaning involves and explore some situations in which additional treatments might be recommended.
When a Routine Cleaning Will Do
In most cases, a standard dental cleaning lasting 30 to 60 minutes will be enough to remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Your hygienist will use handheld tools like metal and ultrasonic scalers to scrape away the bulk of the build-up, then use a polisher to buff away whatever is left. By the time they’re done, your teeth will be smooth, shiny, and as clean as can be.
When Extra Treatment Is Needed
There are two main circumstances in which a standard dental cleaning would not be enough to remove all the plaque on your teeth.
- You have tartar build-up under your gum line.
- You have too much tartar build-up to remove in a single appointment.
If you have advanced gum disease, you may develop areas where your gums pull away from your teeth without actually receding from them. These areas are known as periodontal pockets, and they can’t be cleaned using normal tools and techniques. You’ll need a special procedure called a deep cleaning to take care of the plaque and tartar hidden in these spaces.
If it’s been more than a year or so since your last dental visit, on the other hand, you might have much more tartar on your teeth than a person who has had regular cleanings would. Since appointment lengths are based on what the average person needs, your dental team might not have enough time to get rid of all the tartar in one go. They’ll do what they can for you in the time they have, but they may recommend booking a second appointment so they can make sure they’ve gotten everything.
It’s also possible for one person to have both complicating factors at once. If this is the case for you, it might take three or more visits to get your plaque and tartar fully under control.
Book Your Cleaning Today
No matter what kind of dental cleaning you need or how many appointments it takes, it’s never a good idea to put routine dental visits off. The longer you go without, the harder it will be to get your mouth healthy again.
Book an appointment at Coscarella Family Dentistry today and let us help you get all the plaque and tartar off your teeth. We’ll make sure you leave with healthier teeth and gums, giving you a fresh start on your journey toward better oral health.
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