If going to the dentist fills you with anxiety, you're not alone—for many of us, the anticipation is far worse than the process, and knowing what to expect during your biannual cleanings can help you feel better prepared.
Fortunately, we here at Dr. Nancy Schulman's practice in Williamsburg, VA, are here to walk you through the steps of a routine dental cleaning so that you can approach your appointment with ease of mind.
The examination
Your visit will likely start with a thorough examination by a dental hygienist, during which your teeth will be checked for tartar, cracks, cavities, or gum inflammation. If you are given the all-clear by your dentist, your dental hygienist will move on to the pre-cleaning.
Pre-cleaning
Next, your Williamsburg dental hygienist will prepare your teeth for polishing by using small tools to remove the sticky plaque and tartar between your teeth and at their bases. This step may take longer depending on how much tartar buildup you have.
The cleaning
This portion of the dental cleaning involves the use of an electric buffing brush, a device that is covered in toothpaste to gently clean your teeth. Periodically, you will be given a sip of water through a metal straw-like hose, which will then suck the fluid back down to rinse your mouth. This will be repeated several times to keep your mouth clear of excessive polish and saliva.
Last step
Your Williamsburg dentist, Dr. Schulman, may stop in if any follow up work is needed, such as arranging for a cavity to be filled.
Give us a call!
To keep your teeth in top shape, schedule a dental cleaning twice yearly at our Williamsburg office. Dial 757-564-0900 today to schedule your appointment!