While some people feel that going to the dentist is expensive, it really isn’t! Because most dental offices offer services such as oral exams, x-rays, cleanings, and root canals at relatively low prices, many patients underestimate how much money they are spending.
In fact, according to the American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), one average appointment costs around $80. That may not seem like a lot, but when you think about it, that is almost half a typical weekly paycheck!
Fortunately, there are ways to get the same quality care without breaking the bank. One of these is a regular checkup with the hygienist. A dental hygiene professional does not do anything beyond cleaning your teeth; she or he will however, help ensure that your oral health is up to par.
Another way to reduce your dental expenses is to visit the doctor less often. This article will discuss why this is a bad idea for your oral and overall health, and what you can do instead.
We would also like to address another common misconception about dental visits. Many people believe that a dental exam means getting examined from head to toe. However, this is only true during an examination or surgery. During routine appointments, nothing but your mouth is inspected.
This is where things get confusing because many people assume that a normal dental exam is extended to include other areas of the body.
What are the different dental cleanings?
Having a routine check-up includes having your teeth cleaned!
There are several types of dental cleaning you can expect to receive at your appointment. The term “tooth cleaning” may sound simple, but there are actually many different types of professional tooth cleansings.
These include:
* Scaling and polishing – This is most commonly done as a periodontal treatment. Periodontitis is when your gums become infected and swell up. When this happens, tartar or bacterial growth accumulates underneath and around your teeth.
To remove this buildup, our experts use special tools that scrape away the tartar while also buffing off any exposed gum tissue.
After scaling and polishing, your dentist will usually apply a gel coatant to ensure that no leftover bacteria has access to new surfaces in your mouth. This helps prevent future infections or reoccurrences of past symptoms.
You won’t feel anything during a scalpel scrubbing, but some patients describe feeling slightly numb from the antiseptic solution. However, it is totally normal to be a little bit uncomfortable for a few minutes after the procedure.
Overall, one typical weekday morning appointment lasts about an hour and a half to two hours depending on how long it takes to do the actual brushing and prodding of your teeth and gums.
This includes time spent talking with your doctor and waiting for the treatments to take place.
How often should I have a dental cleaning?
Having routine check-ups is important to keep your teeth healthy. A professional oral health examination includes checking all of your teeth, gums, and mouth for disease or abnormalities.
Most people recommend having their first dental exam at one year under the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines. However, some experts suggest waiting until patients reach his or her teenage years before performing an in-depth screening.
This is because most children’s parents will make sure they see the doctor every six months starting when their child is very young. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case with adults.
Some individuals may not be as conscious about taking care of their oral hygiene, which could put them at risk for developing serious diseases like gum infection or tooth decay.
On the other hand, adults who are careful about brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent deadly conditions like stomach cancer or heart disease. These illnesses can affect your overall health so it’s worth making changes now!
Fortunately, there are ways to know how long a dental cleaning takes. Most dentists use time stamps to record the length of each procedure. Many also offer a price estimate so you can compare costs before coming back for another visit.
Is there a difference between a deep cleaning and a routine cleaning?
There is! A deep clean is typically described as more in-depth than a normal dental cleaning. This includes scaling, polishing, and possibly a root canal if needed. Due to the additional time it takes to do these things, most people only feel comfortable doing them once a year at the most.
That’s not ideal since regular cleanings help keep your teeth healthy and reduce risk of disease. The best way to ensure you are getting the same level of care is by coming in for a yearly checkup. And while a one-time deep clean may seem expensive, rest assured that most insurance companies cover this procedure.
What should I wear?
While some cosmetic dentistry procedures can be done in less than an hour, most take longer than that! This includes cleaning or straightening your teeth, filing or buffing away surface stains, and even applying dental products like sealants or topical treatments.
Some things make for good viewing during this time, such as when you have to see yourself full-on in the mirror!
Fortunately, there are several easy ways to pass the time. You can read, chat with friends, do something active (like yoga or swimming), or simply relax. Your dentist will let you know if it is okay to leave the office now so you don’t need to worry about anything.
But still, being aware of your surroundings and keeping track of what needs doing next can help reduce stress. And hopefully, your roommates don’t mind if you’re not eating or drinking very much 😉.
Who should I see about having a dental cleaning?
A professional dental clean is an excellent way to ensure your oral health. However, you don’t need us to tell you that a visit to the dentist isn’t always a pleasant experience.
Some people feel too embarrassed or scared to go for a check-up, so they put off coming in until their symptoms become much more serious.
Regular visits are one of the most cost effective ways to watch over your oral health. Because we spend lots of time talking with our mouths, it is easy to forget how easily plaque can build up.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do at home to make sure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible. Here are some tips to help you keep your mouth clean.
How can I get a dental cleaning?
A professional oral health check-up is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. This includes assessing how to prevent potential disease, as well as evaluating symptoms that may indicate something more serious.
A routine dental exam should include an assessment of your child’s general health and nutritional status, as well as their oral health. Your dentist will likely ask about any changes in your child’s habits or behavior, such as if they are drinking enough water and whether they’re eating appropriate foods.
The length of time it takes to visit a doctor or dentist can be quite variable depending on individual doctors and facilities. However, many hospitals have standardized guidelines for waiting times at least once a year. The same goes for dentists!
Most experts agree that a basic non-invasive oral examination (looking but not touching) usually doesn’t take longer than 20 minutes. Some may even be done while you’re both sitting down together.
Are there any side effects of dental cleaning?
One of the most common questions that patients ask is how long does it take to properly clean your teeth. Most dentists will tell you that a routine check-up includes two main components, an oral exam and a professional brush and scrubbing of your mouth.
During the oral examination part, your dentist will look at all areas of your mouth – both visible and hidden – to determine if anything looks abnormal or needs attention. If everything checks out fine, then they’ll move onto the next step which is to use a special tool to perform a careful inspection under a microscope called a periodontal probe.
This device has very small hairs which are used to measure the depth of gum pockets around each tooth. When inserted into a deep pocket, the instrument makes a clicking sound as it hits bone or tissue. This can indicate possible infection so your dentist may need to do additional testing to see what kind of treatment is needed.
What should I do after a dental cleaning?
The next day, check out the new you! You’ll notice your skin is slightly brighter and smoother than before. Your hair will look healthier and lusterous. And of course, your teeth will look much better!
All this improvement happens within one to two days depending on how busy our dentist/dental hygienist team is that week. They may have had to take extra time to make sure all areas were thoroughly cleaned because there was very little plaque left or they needed to replace missing tooth tissue due to gum disease (periodontal disease).