The average dental cleaning appointment time can vary, but generally, they take between 30 and 60 minutes. The time needed for a dental cleaning at the dentist depends on your particular oral health needs. The amount of plaque, bacteria, and tartar that the dental hygienist needs to remove from your teeth will determine the dental cleaning time.
The Types of Dental Cleanings
There are several different kinds of dental cleanings.
Prophylaxis: This is the routine preventative cleaning for people with healthy teeth that you probably think of when your mind turns to dental cleanings.
Gross Debridement: This kind of cleaning is for people who haven’t been to the dentist regularly for cleanings and have a lot of plaque buildup. It is similar to prophylaxis cleaning, but takes longer and is also used to determine if there are any undiagnosed dental issues.
Scaling and Root Planing: This is a deep cleaning. During a scaling and root planing, a dental hygienist will reach below your gumline to remove bacteria and hardened tartar from around your tooth roots. Dentists use this type of cleaning for people with mild to moderate gum disease. Local numbing may be used for people who undergo this treatment.
Regarding how often you should get a dental cleaning, the American Dental Association notes, “There is no one-size-fits-all dental treatment. Some people need to visit the dentist once or twice a year; others may need more visits. You are a unique individual, with a unique smile and unique needs when it comes to keeping your smile healthy.”