Quick answer: A professional dental cleaning removes plaque and hardened tartar from above and just below the gum line, polishes the tooth surfaces, and includes an assessment of your gum health. It typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and is usually carried out alongside a dental exam.
Why brushing is not enough on its own
Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms on teeth within hours of cleaning them. Brushing and flossing remove most of it. What they cannot do is remove plaque that has already hardened into tartar, also called calculus, which bonds to the tooth surface and can only be taken off with instruments.
That matters because tartar is porous and holds bacteria directly against the gum line. It is the reason gum inflammation persists in people who brush conscientiously but have not had a cleaning in a long time.
The stages of the appointment
1. Assessment
Before anything is removed, the hygienist or dentist looks at the gums, checks for bleeding and inflammation, and measures the depth of the pockets around the teeth where relevant. This is what determines whether a routine cleaning is appropriate or whether the gums need periodontal treatment instead.
2. Scaling
Tartar is removed from the tooth surfaces and from just beneath the gum margin, using hand instruments, an ultrasonic scaler, or both. The scraping sound is louder than the sensation. Where teeth are sensitive or there is a lot of build-up, the appointment is paced accordingly.
3. Polishing
A polishing cup and prophylaxis paste smooth the tooth surfaces and lift surface staining from coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco. Polishing removes extrinsic stain; it does not change the natural shade of the tooth, which is what professional whitening is for.
4. Flossing and final check
The contacts between teeth are cleared and checked, and the dentist reviews anything found during the oral exam — early decay, a failing restoration, an area of the gum that needs watching.
Does it hurt?
For most patients a routine cleaning is uncomfortable at worst rather than painful. Sensitivity is more common when the gums are already inflamed, when there is a large amount of tartar, or when roots are exposed. Tell the clinician before they start rather than partway through — the technique and pacing can be adjusted.
How often
Six months suits most patients. Where gum disease has been diagnosed, three or four month intervals are common because the aim shifts from prevention to maintenance. Read more about how often you should see a dentist.
Afterwards
Gums that have been inflamed may feel tender for a day or two and may bleed slightly when brushed. That settles. Teeth can feel temporarily more sensitive to cold, particularly if a lot of tartar has been removed from around exposed roots. If sensitivity persists beyond a week or two, mention it — there is usually something straightforward that helps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dental cleaning take?
A routine cleaning usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much tartar has built up and whether an exam and X-rays are being carried out at the same visit.
Is a dental cleaning painful?
For most patients it is uncomfortable rather than painful. Sensitivity is more likely if the gums are already inflamed or the roots are exposed. Tell the clinician before they begin so the appointment can be paced for you.
Will a cleaning make my teeth whiter?
Polishing removes surface staining from coffee, tea, wine and tobacco, which often makes teeth look brighter. It does not change the natural underlying shade of the tooth, which is what professional whitening does.
Why do my gums bleed during a cleaning?
Bleeding is a sign of inflammation, usually caused by plaque and tartar sitting against the gum margin. Healthy gums do not bleed when cleaned. Bleeding often reduces within a couple of weeks once the tartar is removed and home care improves.
Can I skip the cleaning if I brush and floss well?
No. Brushing and flossing remove soft plaque but cannot remove tartar once it has hardened onto the tooth, and cannot reach as far below the gum line as dental instruments can.
Book with Connecticut Family Dental Group
Connecticut Family Dental Group is at 88 New Britain Avenue, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Call (860) 756-5423 or request an appointment. The practice is open Monday through Thursday.
This article is general information for patients and is not a substitute for an examination or individual clinical advice. If something in your mouth is painful, swollen or changing, call the practice.