What To Expect From Your First Dental Cleaning in Years

It is all too common to avoid dental cleanings until a tooth begins to ache. Or maybe you decided to get ahead of any dental issues, but years have passed due to a lapse in insurance, a lack of time, anxiety, or something else. Whatever it is, there is no need to feel nervous, awkward, or embarrassed. Good dentists provide dental care in a judgment-free setting. Still, if you are going to the dentist for the first time in years, it can help to know what to expect during the appointment.

Going back to the dentist after years

Regardless of whether the patient has not been to the dentist in years or just in six months, a dental cleaning will only be one part of the appointment. An oral exam and dental X-rays may be necessary. The difference is that a patient who has not been to the dentist in years may have oral health problems, such as tooth decay (cavities), requiring professional treatment. Here is a closer look at these components of a dental appointment:

Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays reveal health problems beneath the gum line, such as extensive tooth decay, infection, and jawbone loss. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the recommendations for these X-rays vary by patient. Healthy adult patients may not need to get them every year. However, if a patient has not had a dental cleaning in years, the dentist will likely recommend taking X-rays to ensure everything is in good condition.

While dental X-rays emit very low radiation levels, inform the dentist if the patient is breastfeeding, pregnant, or could be pregnant. The radiation levels are considered low enough not to harm a fetus or newborn. That said, some dentists recommend waiting until the patient is no longer pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dental cleaning

The next step will be the dental cleaning itself. Also known as a teeth cleaning procedure, the dental hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. This cleaning uses specialized dental tools known as scalers. If the patient is comfortable with it, the hygienist may use an ultrasonic scraper for faster results. They will then polish and floss the teeth.

Dental cleanings should not hurt if the teeth are healthy. Unfortunately, there may be some pain and discomfort if the teeth are sensitive or decayed. Patients are encouraged to inform the dental hygienist if they experience discomfort. Hygienists will adjust their technique to minimize patient discomfort and inform the dentist to pay extra attention to the area.

Oral exam

After cleaning the teeth, the dentist will perform an oral exam. This will involve looking at the teeth, gums, and bite. The dentist may prod various areas of the mouth to look for signs of oral cancer. If the patient has a problem tooth, such as a sensitive tooth, they will take special care to evaluate it. The goal is to locate any cavities, gum disease, or other issues to treat them before the issue worsens. For instance, if the dentist finds a cavity, they will recommend a dental filling, dental crown, or, if severe, a root canal. These dental restorations usually require another appointment to complete.