DENTAL EXAMINATION AND CLEANING

Why teeth cleaning at the dentist?

Flossing, regular brushing, and healthy lifestyle habits contribute greatly to your oral hygiene but can never replace a visit to your dentist. Cleaning at home and in a dental clinic are complementary, but considerably different from each other. Although daily use of the toothbrush and floss certainly helps to prevent cavities and tartar build-up, only professional dental cleaning, done jointly by a dentist and a dental hygienist, can ensure that good oral hygiene is maintained in the long term.

What is a dental cleaning?

The procedure is meant to thoroughly clean the surfaces of your teeth and to prevent periodontal disease from appearing. The Ordre des dentistes du Québec and the Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires both recommend dental cleaning every six months, even if you maintain good habits at home. People with dental conditions or who recently had an operation will usually have personalized dental cleaning schedules.

The main steps of dental cleaning:

Scaling

Scaling is the first step of the dental cleaning process and is designed to remove tartar that has accumulated on your teeth and gums overtime. Our hygienist will use curettes or an ultrasound device to rid your teeth of the presence of microorganisms and toxins attached to their surfaces.

The polishing process

This second step of dental cleaning uses a polishing paste and aims to smooth the surface of the teeth by cleaning off the plaque. During this step, Dr. Al Eid or our dental hygienist will use a rotating instrument with a small brush on top to remove stains and slight discolouration. This polishing phase maximizes the adherence of the gum to the roots of the teeth and helps prevent tooth loss or possible sensitivity problems.

Dental Examination

A regular dental examination is essential because a dentist will examine the inside of your mouth to identify different possible problems that may affect your oral and general health. Dr. Al Eid will examine your teeth, but also the gums and bones that support them. One of the many advantages of a comprehensive oral exam is that it can detect problems well before they occur, at a time when they are much easier and less expensive to treat.

Once Dr. Al Eid completed his examination he will explain to you what can be done to repair any damages that might have been found. If they are small, a minor treatment may be the solution, however, if a tooth is extremely damaged, you may need a more complex treatment. In both cases, Dr. Al Eid will give you all the explanations you need to make the best decision.