Taking good care of your teeth is vital, and professional cleanings are an important aspect of it. If you’ve ever wondered how long a cleaning is at a dentist near you, you’re not alone. People ask a lot what a normal cleaning visit is like. The time frame can be different. However, it’s important to know why cleanings are necessary and what can impact the time.
This post will cover anything and everything you have wanted to know about dental cleanings, even how much time it requires.
Factors That Affect Cleaning Time
There are a few reasons why your dental cleaning could take a long time. And here’s what might affect how long you end up in that chair:
Type of Cleaning: A standard cleaning may not take as long. However, if you’re told you need a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), that will take more time.
Return Visit: A dentist may require additional time for a first-time appointment to provide an initial exam. Repeat clients are also usually not so long, especially if they are already monitoring their dental well-being.
How Your Teeth and Gums are Now: If you have a lot of tartar (hardened plaque) or have gum issues, the cleaning might take longer. Healthy gums and teeth make the cleaning process faster.
Tools: The technology the dentist near you in Spokane uses can also play a role in time. Manual scaling could be more time-consuming and may be less efficient than an ultrasonic cleaner.
What’s the Normal Time of an Appointment for a Dental Cleaning?
A regular dental cleaning by a dentist near you will usually last from 30 minutes to one hour. If you’re receiving a deep cleaning, you should be in the chair for 1-2 hours.
In some cases, with a deep clean, several visits are going to be required to ensure you get the best results. If you are a new patient, please allow time for paperwork and a new patient exam. If you’re just getting a basic check-up, then the appointment will be quicker.
The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are more than just fresh breath. They are essential to good oral health. Regular cleanings can also help safeguard against gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems.
Home care in the form of brushing and flossing is a key factor for good oral health. However, professional cleanings will eliminate plaque and tartar that cannot be reached by home care.
This thorough cleaning will help keep your gums and teeth healthy. Routine trips to your local dentist save you from expensive and painful dental issues in the future.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Appointment?
To ensure that your visit to one of the dentists near you is as seamless as possible, we’ve compiled some useful tricks for all patients:
Arrive in Advance: Getting there early allows you to fill out any required paperwork and get ready for your appointment.
Bring Required Forms: If you’re a new patient, bring any required forms, like a medical history or insurance information.
Inform the Office of Dental Anxiety: If you are anxious about the appointment, inform the dentist’s office in advance. They can suggest remedies to help make you feel more comfortable.
Typically, a standard cleaning at a dentist near you will take between 30-60 minutes, although deep cleanings can last longer. We believe that prevention is your best defense. You can prevent a lot of dental problems by regularly visiting our dentist.
If you’re considering skipping your next cleaning appointment, professional guidance is just a call or click away. Call us today. Your smile will thank you!
