People of all ages know about the importance of annual dental cleanings. In fact, most dentists recommend that folks get their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Patients who visit their trusted dentist in downtown Los Angeles want to know more about how this process works and how much time it usually takes from start to finish.

How Long Should Dental Cleanings Take?

If you are like one of our excellent patients and have the question, “How long should dental cleanings take?”, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn more about the dental cleaning process and find out what’s involved so you can schedule your oral health checkup accordingly.

How Dental Cleanings Work

Depending on the results of your exam, your dentist should typically recommend a dental cleaning that works in a series of steps. These steps can be performed fairly quickly, giving you a smooth and easy process.

Step 1: Screening and Scaling

At the beginning of your dental cleaning, your dentist will first want to remove a layer of dirt and grime that is stuck between your gums and your teeth. They will use a process known as scaling, which uses a small tool to remove this dirt. While this part of cleaning doesn’t take long, the dentist may pause from time to time to ensure you are comfortable.

Step 2: Polishing

After the dirt has been cleaned from your teeth, your dentist will move on to the polishing phase, which is often one of the more enjoyable parts of the dental cleaning process. We can use a polishing paste that comes in a number of different flavors. Your dentist will polish each tooth individually to restore its bright shine. This will also break up plaque and tartar that might have been building up on your teeth over time.

Step 3: Flossing and Brushing

Your dentist will brush and floss your teeth for you. Then we show you the best way to take care of your teeth at home. Using dental-grade floss, they will remove dust and dirt. These might have shown up in between your teeth from the food you eat. If you have any signs of infection or decay, your dentist may go on to recommend that you get a cavity filling. This can typically happen in a separate session.

All that’s left is to rinse out your mouth and your teeth. Your dentist may give you a mouthwash with a pleasing taste to help you feel better after the cleaning process. If you have any more questions about your dental healthcare at this time, please reach out to your trusted dental specialist right away.

Average Treatment Times

Depending on your individual dental needs, your cleaning can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. Your dental team will want to discuss the steps involved in a dental cleaning. This helps ensure that you end up prepared for this type of procedure. It remains a smooth and easy experience that should not cause lingering discomfort when the procedure wraps up. If you can schedule a little bit of time during your day for this important treatment, you should try to make it work for you ASAP.

Learn More About Dental Cleanings Today

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we invest in only the best for your overall health and well-being. Get in touch with our experts to learn more about how you can make the most out of top-notch teeth cleaning in downtown Los Angeles. We offer personalized treatments that center on your individual needs, from basic oral health checkups to individualized plans of care. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our friendly dental services!