A new year is on the way, and what better way to celebrate than to start fresh with a clean, bright, healthy smile? As the calendar turns to 2023, now is the perfect time to schedule a dental cleaning and exam to start the new year off on the right foot.

We understand it’s a busy time of year, and you may be wondering “how long is a dental cleaning?” and whether you actually have time for an appointment right now. However, a professional dental cleaning can set you up with improved dental health for an amazing new year. It benefits your health and wellness in more ways than one, so it’s well worth the time spent — which for most patients, is less than an hour.

And at Newtown Dentistry, you might be surprised by how much you actually enjoy that time. Not only do we want our patients to receive the most comprehensive and quality dental care, we also want them to have a welcoming and relaxing experience.

Part of what makes our dental check-ups and cleanings special is that we take the time to build relationships with our patients, while also honoring their need for timely and flexible service. This includes knowing exactly what to expect from their visit, so keep reading to learn more about why patients of all ages look forward to dental experiences at Newtown.

How Long is a Dental Cleaning? What Does the Process Involve?

The team at Newtown Dentistry has decades of combined experience, making both routine checkups and dental deep cleanings as efficient as possible. We know that our patients have complex lives and schedules. We do our best to conduct your cleaning as rapidly as possible, while ensuring the highest quality and thoroughness in dental care.

Many patients ask us “how long is a dental cleaning?” Typically, routine cleaning appointments for children are 30 minutes, while adult appointments last 60-90 minutes. During children’s cleanings, little patients have plenty of time to get comfortable before receiving their cleaning. They even have the chance to give one of our plush puppets a teeth cleaning, or get a few wiggles out on our climbable treehouse.

Adults also have plenty of time to get comfortable, ask questions and express concerns, especially during their first visit to Newtown Dentistry. Adult patients are encouraged to ask any questions before and after treatment. And, if one of our dentists spots an area in need of attention—perhaps a cavity, gum disease, or other issues— you’ll receive a full explanation of the condition, as well as any next steps or follow-up treatments.

What to Expect During a Routine Cleaning and Exam

For both adults and children, a routine dental cleaning and checkup includes:

• Examining your teeth and gums
• Screening for oral cancer
• Taking photos of your mouth using an intra-oral camera
• Performing cavity detection (if your dentist feels is necessary)
• Testing for susceptibility to caries
• Taking X-Rays (especially for first-time patients)
• Removing plaque and tartar
• Providing teeth polishing and flossing
• Applying fluoride

After every dental exam and cleaning, both our adult and child patients are invited to pick a prize—from an awesome selection of keep-longer-than-a-day goodies.

Strong Foundation for Your Dental and Overall Health

In addition to alerting you and your dentist of any oral health concerns, routine professional dental cleanings and checkups—usually done twice a year—help provide a strong foundation for home dental care. Think of your professional dental visit as a clean slate moving forward.

Continuing to practice best oral hygiene practices after your appointment, like brushing and flossing your teeth daily, will help ensure healthy teeth and gums.

You can schedule your appointment now, or call us any time for questions at (215) 706-8734.