What Happens at a Professional Dental Cleaning for Gum Health
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Wondering what a dental cleaning involves when your gums bleed? Here is a walk-through of the visit, from the exam to tartar removal below the gumline.
If your gums have been bleeding, a professional cleaning is often the next step. Knowing what happens can make the visit feel much more comfortable.
Step 1: A gentle gum check
Your hygienist looks at the colour and firmness of your gums and may measure the small spaces between the gums and teeth. This helps show where plaque and tartar may be hiding.
Step 2: Removing plaque and tartar
Tartar is hardened plaque that brushing cannot remove. Your hygienist removes it above and below the gumline, which is where it tends to irritate gums the most.
Step 3: Polishing and home-care advice
Teeth are polished to remove surface stains, and we show you brushing and cleaning-between-teeth techniques that suit your mouth.
Where technology helps
Our dual-wavelength Fotona laser can support gum therapy in some cases. Your dentist will explain whether it suits you. See our dental technology for more.
How often should you come in?
Many people do well with a cleaning every six months. Others benefit from visits every three or four months, depending on gum health. Your hygienist will recommend a schedule.
Comfort and cost
If you feel anxious, tell us. We can talk through options, including our sedation dentistry guide. For coverage questions, see dental insurance and CDCP.
Call 604-535-8835 to book a cleaning.