According to the American Dental Association, every person, including children, should visit the dentist at least every six months for a dental cleaning and checkup. While some patients actively avoid the dentist to steer clear of potential discomfort, the truth is that these visits are essential if you want to prevent oral pain! Are you worried that professional teeth cleanings will hurt? Learn what you can expect from this part of your appointment.
What Happens During Professional Teeth Cleanings?
When you sit in the chair for a professional teeth cleaning with your hygienist, they will pick up tools that may seem strange to you. They will use a device that shoots a forceful stream of water between your teeth to remove any places where plaque has hardened. On your own, you won’t be able to take this buildup off, but your hygienist can! Once all the plaque is gone, they will demonstrate proper flossing technique and use a metal pick to remove any last tiny bits. Finally, a rotating polisher will reduce surface stains and really make your smile shine.
Should Teeth Cleanings Hurt?
During teeth cleanings, everything is performed on the surface of your teeth. As a result, it normally should not cause any physical pain or discomfort. Your hygienist is trained and experienced to be gentle as they work on getting rid of plaque buildup. If at anytime you do wish to stop or you do feel uncomfortable, just raise a hand, and they will give you a little break.
What Does Discomfort During Cleanings Mean?
If you do experience discomfort when your teeth are cleaned, it could indicate a couple of issues. Your gums may have receded or pulled back enough to expose sensitive tooth surfaces. Any forceful attempt to chip away plaque between teeth or near the gumline can trigger an uncomfortable sensation. In other situations, it may mean you have a cavity that has started penetrating deeper into the tooth. Caught early, this problem may be resolved using a less invasive treatment like a filling. Depending on the severity, a root canal and crown may be necessary to relieve future pain and allow you to use the tooth again without discomfort.
Before your next cleaning appointment, remember that having hard, stubborn plaque professionally removed can substantially lower your risk of cavities and gum disease, which can have devastating and painful effects on your smile. Instead of going through those unpleasant experiences, you can attend your checkup and cleaning visit, where your teeth can be brought back on track and painful disaster can be avoided down the road.
About Williamsburg Dental
Although the talented dentists at Williamsburg Dental come with decades of experience treating complex cases, they join the ADA in encouraging regular checkups and cleanings. In other words, we strongly suggest focusing on prevention as much as possible. However, if you find that you need a filling, crown, denture, or dental implant, our team uses the latest technology and techniques to restore your smile with realistic, functional solutions. Whether you need to schedule a cleaning or more advanced care, contact one of our six Lincoln locations today!
