Do Teeth Cleanings Hurt? Understanding The Basics

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist for a teeth cleaning, or you have dental anxiety and are worried that your upcoming teeth cleaning and oral exam at Clermont Family Dentistry will hurt, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s discuss the basics of teeth cleanings and whether or not they hurt. 

Teeth Cleanings Do Not Hurt – We Practice Gentle Dentistry At Our Office

At our office, we will always do our best to keep you feeling safe and comfortable. Rest assured that teeth cleanings do not hurt. You may experience some very slight discomfort due to scraping sensations when your teeth are being scaled, or a tiny bit of pressure if you need to have your gums probed to check for gum disease.

However, you won’t feel any pain, and you’ll be able to get the care you need to avoid future dental procedures, such as fillings or periodontal care, that are significantly more invasive. That makes routine teeth cleanings a great idea, even if you’re nervous about going to the dentist or have dental anxiety. 

What Happens At A Teeth Cleaning?

Not sure what to expect from your appointment at Clermont Family Dentistry? Let’s break down what happens at a teeth cleaning appointment, step-by-step. 

• X-rays – If you’re a new patient, x-rays will be taken. You will have to bite down on a sensor while digital x-rays are taken of your mouth. This does not cause any pain or discomfort.
  
  
• Scraping away plaque (scaling) – Your hygienist will use a “scaler” to scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth. This does not hurt, though some patients may be a bit sensitive to the scraping sensation caused by scaling. This only takes a few minutes.
  

• Buffing and polishing teeth – Your teeth will be buffed and polished using a gritty polishing compound. This does not hurt, and results in teeth that look bright and feel smooth.
  
  
• Flossing – Finally, your teeth will be flossed professionally by your dental hygienist to remove any remaining debris and food particles. This will not hurt, but your gums may bleed slightly if you do not floss regularly at home. 
  

• Examination by Dr. Buechele – As the final step of your appointment, Dr. Mundi Buechele will examine your mouth. He may probe your teeth and gums with dental tools to check for cavities. This will not cause pain, though you may feel a bit of pressure on your teeth and gums.
  

You Can Keep Yourself Comfortable At Our Office If You’re Nervous 

We can accommodate patients with dental anxiety. If you’d like to listen to music, bring in a blanket, or take any other steps that will help you feel more comfortable at our office, we’d be happy to help you do so.

In addition, we even offer nitrous sedation, so you can be sedated during your cleaning if you have severe anxiety and do not think you can get through it without sedation. For more information or to schedule a consultation, just give us a call at (352) 242-1763 or contact us online.