How do dental cleanings work and how long do they take?

Dental cleanings are one of the most effective ways to stay in good oral health and prevent costly and stressful dental problems from developing. Typically, you only need them once every several months, yet they go a long way in keeping your smile healthy. Plus, the dentist can offer tips and advice for improving your oral health habits at home. This article explores the types of dental cleanings and how long they take, then walks through how a dental cleaning procedure works and discusses when to get dental cleanings. If you’re due for your next dental cleaning, schedule an appointment to preserve your healthy smile.

What is a dental cleaning? 

A dental cleaning is a procedure where your dentist removes debris from your teeth and gums to protect your oral health and maintain a bright smile. Over time, bacteria and food particles can build up on and around your teeth and gums. These can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues if left untreated. Dental cleanings help remove these to prevent such issues and strengthen the tooth enamel. Dentists also provide advice and sometimes a free toothbrush and toothpaste after your dental cleaning concludes.

Types of dental cleaning 

Several types of dental cleanings exist for individuals in different dental health situations:

Routine cleaning

Routine cleaning is a preventive procedure that focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums to reduce your risk of developing dental issues. The hygienist first examines your teeth with a handheld mirror. Then, using a dental pick — called a hand scaler — and a mirror, they remove plaque, tartar, and debris from your teeth and just under the gum line.  
 
The hygienist then applies a specialized gritty toothpaste with a high-powered electric brush to clean stains, remove more debris, and polish your teeth. They may provide you with mouthwash as well. Cleanings typically conclude with the dentist checking your teeth once the hygienist finishes the actual cleaning work.  
 
All patients can benefit from routine, semi-annual cleanings. They help those with good oral health maintain it and catch early warning signs of worse issues.

Dental deep cleaning 

Dental deep cleaning — also called periodontal therapy and periodontal treatment — is a procedure that treats more severe tartar buildup or gum disease that is beginning to advance. It involves removing buildup from the tooth surface and the roots below the gum line. 
 
These types of cleanings are more intensive, invasive, and lengthy. That’s why dentists tend to clean one quadrant of your mouth per appointment, potentially spreading the procedure over several. This helps them ensure they clean each area thoroughly. 
 
The dentist first applies local anesthesia to numb your mouth. Then, they use an ultrasonic tool to loosen and remove tartar buildup on your teeth above your gum line. This portion is called scaling.

After that, they perform root planing by using an ultrasonic scaler to remove tartar from the roots to smooth them out and clean them up. They may also place antibiotic medication next to the roots if necessary. Your gums reattach to the teeth over several days during the healing process.

Periodontal maintenance cleaning 

Periodontal maintenance cleaning entails treating gum disease via a dental deep cleaning to prevent gum disease relapse. These are less invasive than the dental deep cleaning, but more so than routine cleanings. The dentist or hygienist focuses more on gum pockets and other problem areas of the gums. Patients needing periodontal maintenance may need an appointment every three to four months, slightly more often than routine cleanings.

How long is a preventative cleaning? 

The dental cleaning’s duration depends on your dental needs, the type of cleaning, and the hygienist performing the cleaning. In general, a routine cleaning for a patient with good oral health may take 30 to 45 minutes, although sometimes a bit longer.¹ Periodontal maintenance doesn’t take too much longer than that, usually lasting about an hour and only needing one appointment every three to four months.  
 
Dental deep cleaning takes the longest due to their increased complexity. For example, deep cleaning could take several hours overall, spread over multiple appointments.² Each appointment tends to take around one to two hours, although the severity of the problem impacts the total time. 

¹Source: Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Dental check-up. ²Source: Ask the Dentist. (2022). Deep cleaning teeth.

Factors affecting the duration of a preventative cleaning

As discussed, routine cleanings (also known as prophylaxis) are the fastest, followed by periodontal maintenance and deep cleaning. As a result, it is hard to give an exact number. Here are some factors that impact a dental cleaning’s duration:

• Cleaning type: As discussed, routine cleanings are the fastest, followed by periodontal maintenance and deep cleaning. 

• Oral condition: Better oral health or, in the case of deep cleaning, early stage disease tend to shorten the procedure’s duration. 

• Dental history: Consistent dental visits can shorten the procedures since the dentist will have less to clean from your teeth and gums. 

• Dental procedure comfort and sensitivity: Your comfort level can impact the speed. Some patients may need to take quick breaks every so often if they experience anxiety regarding preventative dental procedures.
  
  

Steps involved in a dental cleaning 

Routine dental cleanings are some of the most straightforward dental procedures. Here is what to expect, step by step:

1. Consultation and examination: The dentist or hygienist looks over your oral health history, then checks over your teeth to assess your oral health and watch for any potential issues like gum disease or tooth damage.
   
   

2. Scaling: The dentist or hygienist uses a hand scaler and mirror to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and between the teeth. 

   
   

3. Polishing: The dentist or hygienist applies a gritty toothpaste with an electric brush to your teeth. This helps remove stains and debris. 

   
   

4. Flossing: The dentist or hygienist carefully flosses each tooth to remove any remaining debris and show you how to floss properly. 
   
   

5. Rinsing: The dentist or hygienist has you rinse with water or, in some cases, fluoride mouthwash to remove debris and polish residue. 

   
   

6. Fluoride: Depending on your dental health situation, the dentist or hygienist may apply fluoride to your teeth to strengthen the enamel. 

Dental cleaning FAQs 

Are dental cleanings covered by insurance? 

Yes, dental insurance might cover all three forms of preventative cleanings. Exact coverage may vary depending on the policy you have.

How painful is a dental cleaning?

Routine cleanings generally have minimal discomfort, although this varies by oral health. Tooth sensitivity and gingivitis can cause minor discomfort.
 
Periodontal maintenance cleanings generally use local anesthesia to numb the mouth and eliminate pain. The only discomfort may be caused by anxiety from the sounds of the tools.

How important is it to get a dental cleaning?

Routine dental cleanings are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and protecting yourself from oral health issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Deep cleaning is just as crucial if your dentist recommends them since untreated tartar under the gum line can threaten your teeth and gums. Finally, periodontal maintenance always follows the treatment of periodontal disease and is essential to continue the rest of your life.

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