A dentist is the most qualified person to decide what type of dental cleaning procedure is best for their patient. All Bismarck, ND dentists have experience, but they also have different areas of expertise. Some dentists may specialize in an area such as pediatric dentistry or orthodontics. Some may be specialists in TMJ or oral surgery procedures. Those dentists who opt to specialize are a great resource for patients because they have more knowledge in their area of expertise.
The dentist will review the patient’s needs and decide what type of dental cleaning procedures will be best for each individual. In addition, the dentist must know about any existing medical conditions or allergies that may affect treatment. Sometimes, the dentist may want to refer the patient to a specialist if there is a particular condition that needs attention.
However, here are the most common procedures involved in a professional dental cleaning session in Bismarck.
- Removal of calculus
Calculus is a common ingredient found in dental plaque. It is a hardened material that hardens over time and forms a growth on the tooth. This buildup often comes off with regular brushing, but sometimes it is more difficult to dislodge.
The removal of calculus is always done first when a patient visits the dentist for any type of dental cleaning session. This will prevent the patient from experiencing pain or discomfort during other procedures. Calculus can get in the way of other procedures and cause gum disease if not removed properly. The dentist will have a couple of tools that they may use to remove any calcified buildup from teeth.
- Removal of plaque
Plaque is an accumulation of saliva, food particles, and bacteria. It can build up on the teeth, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. The dentist will use a tool that is inserted into the tooth to clean this buildup away. The dentist may use a tool to scrape away the dental plaque that is present on the teeth and gums. They may also use instrumentation such as a scaler or polisher to lightly scrape off surfaces and remove fine debris between teeth and gums.
- Teeth polishing
The dentist will use a polishing instrument to smooth the tooth’s surface. This will give the tooth a uniform and shiny appearance. The polishing procedure can be done in one appointment, or it can take several appointments to polish all of the teeth thoroughly.
