Keeping good oral health is an important part of your overall well-being that you should not neglect. Sometimes, it can be hard to go in for a dental cleaning, especially if you are busy. While most dental cleanings take between 30 – 90 minutes, the exact length depends on a few different things. 

Keep reading to learn what affects how long a dental cleaning takes and how to best prepare for your dental cleaning! 

What Gets Checked During a Dental Cleaning?

So, what is checked during a dental cleaning? Well, when you go in to have your teeth cleaned, your dental hygienist will also be looking for the following:

  • Broken teeth
  • Loose fillings
  • Tooth decay
  • Gingivitis or another gum disease
  • A misaligned bite
  • Any issues with previous implants, bridges, and other dental work

While looking for those things, they will clean your teeth of plaque and tartar, floss, ensure your mouth tissue is healthy, and polish your teeth. They may also take x-rays of your mouth and teeth if it is your first time at that dentist, so they can ensure there are no issues that are not immediately apparent. 

If the dentist doesn’t discover any problems, and no x-rays need to be taken, then you can expect your dental cleaning only to take around 30 minutes. However, if you need to set future appointments or do not have good dental hygiene, the appointment could take much longer, though they rarely last longer than 45 – 60 minutes. 

Do You Need Any Accommodations? 

Another thing that can make a dental cleaning take longer than normal is if you require any accommodations for various reasons. There are multiple reasons why someone could need them, but you should still come to see our dentists, and they can help figure out the best way for you to have your teeth cleaned. 

For those with dental anxiety, sedation is available to help make your dental cleaning go smoothly. Four types of sedation are available, and we will help you choose the one best for your particular needs. 

  • Minimal Sedation: You are awake during the appointment but feel relaxed.
  • Moderate Sedation: You may not remember much about your appointment and will feel comfortable during the whole thing.
  • Deep Sedation: You will be asleep with deep sedation, but you can be awakened easily. 
  • General Anesthesia (IV Sedation): You are completely unconscious and can not be awakened, even by pain. 

Is It a First Visit? 

If it is your first visit to that dentist, your appointment will typically take much longer as you typically have to get a complete set of x-rays. The dentist will also have to get your information, dental history, and any concerns or questions you may have. 

First-visit dental cleanings can take between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your teeth’s general health and the amount of plaque buildup on them. 

Dental Cleanings are a Quick Way to Maintain Good Oral Health

Dental cleanings can take between 30 – 90 minutes, depending on what needs to be done, but even in today’s busy world, it is still important to get your teeth cleaned. If you are ready to clean your teeth, schedule an appointment at Savanna Dental Solutions with our team by calling 912-354-1366.