We know that a lot of people don’t like going to the dentist. However, most people find that the anxiety they feel is unwarranted once they actually go to the dentist, and this is especially true for dental cleanings. Dental cleanings are very routine procedures that are quick and painless. Nonetheless, many patients ask us the same question time and time again: how fast is a dental cleaning? More often than not, they want to know because they want to spend as little time in the dentist’s chair as possible.
Fortunately, we’re here to set the record straight. Whether you’re coming into Kremer Dental for a routine cleaning or a deep dental cleaning, we’ll explain how long these typically take and what you can expect while you’re here. So, let’s get started!
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
A routine dental cleaning can take as little as 20 to 30 minutes, though it could take as long as an hour or, in very rare cases, even longer. The length of time often depends on your dental health. For example, if your dentist finds that you have one or more cavities that need to be filled, the dental cleaning might take longer. Alternatively, they may schedule you to come back another day to have the cavities filled.
Routine dental cleanings are generally short and to the point; the dentist uses various tools and devices to clean off surface plaque and tartar that you might not be able to reach with a toothbrush and dental floss. They’ll also use this opportunity to examine your overall dental health and make recommendations if you need more in-depth dental care.
Types of Dental Cleaning & How They Differ
While routine dental cleanings are the fastest and most common way to get your teeth professionally cleaned, they are not the only form of dental cleaning. In general, there are two types: routine dental cleaning and deep dental cleaning. While a routine dental cleaning may take as little as 20 minutes, a deep dental cleaning will often take an hour or more. In many cases, a deep dental cleaning will take place over the course of two separate appointments. This means that you may need to come in for a one-hour deep cleaning appointment, and then return on another date for a second hour of deep dental cleaning.
Deep dental cleaning takes longer because it involves cleaning the teeth and gums all the way down to the root. It involves two separate processes: gum scaling and root planing. Since these are more intensive procedures than routine cleaning and flossing, they often take longer. Consequently, the amount of time you actually spend in the dentist’s chair will depend on the type of cleaning you require.
Why Do You Have to Wait to Eat or Drink After a Dental Cleaning?
For some people, dental cleaning can be prolonged (in a sense) by the post-cleaning procedure. Typically, after a fluoride-based cleaning, you should avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes. This allows the treatment to set in and ensures that you get the most out of your cleaning. So, while you may be in and out of the dentist’s chair pretty quickly, you’ll still need to follow your dentist’s instructions and not drink or eat right after the cleaning.
Get a Dental Cleaning With Kremer Dental
If you’re looking for dental care, Kremer Dental offers a wide range of services, from regular cleanings to cosmetic procedures. We treat our guests with the utmost respect and care and have been helping people improve their smiles and maintain healthy teeth and gums for more than two decades. Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!
