If it has been a long time since you’ve visited the dentist, perhaps due to a dental phobia or a lack of dental insurance, you may be unsure of what to expect during your upcoming dental cleaning. No worries! It’s very understandable to be nervous when heading into an unfamiliar situation. Below is more information about our South Park dental cleaning services which will hopefully help you feel more confident and comfortable about your upcoming appointment.
Steps in a South Park Dental Cleaning
When you first arrive to our South Park dentist office, our friendly staff will welcome you and let you know if there is any paperwork you need to fill out. (If this will be your first appointment with our practice, be sure to arrive 15 minutes early to account for paperwork; you can also simply print our patient forms online and fill them out at home.)
Once you have finished, your dental hygienist will invite you into the treatment area. She or he will then provide the following services:
- Reviewing and updating your medical history, including any medications or supplements you are taking
- Take digital dental X-Rays
- Remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums
- Use a slightly abrasive dental toothpaste to polish the teeth and remove surface stains
- Administer in-office tooth whitening services, if requested
After these standard steps have been performed, our South Park dentist will carefully inspect your teeth and X-Rays for indications of cavities and other issues. He or she will also gently examine your mouth, throat and jaw for signs of oral cancers.
South Park Dental Cleaning FAQs
Q: I brush and floss every day. Do I still need a dental cleaning?
A: Yes. Even the best brushers find it difficult to reach completely under the gums and in-between the teeth, and dental cleanings help us spot small issues before they progress into something much worse.
Q: Does having your teeth cleaned hurt?
If you do not brush and floss on a regular basis, you may feel slight discomfort as plaque and tartar buildup is scraped away. However, you should you should not experience any actual pain unless you have severe periodontal disease, or dentin hypersensitivity, which is very rare. If you do experience pain during your cleaning, be sure to alert your dental hygienist so she or he can consider administering local anesthetic. Again, however, this would be extremely rare, and definitely a first for our practice.
Need a Dentist in South Charlotte?
If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist, general dentist, family dentist, or restorative dentist in South Park, head down to 32 Inspired Dental Boutique to get comprehensive, compassionate dental care. We can’t wait to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile for life! To request an appointment, fill out our form here.