What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning: A Complete Guide for Albuquerque Patients

For many Albuquerque patients, dental cleanings feel routine — something you schedule twice a year and don’t think much about. But behind every cleaning is a detailed, highly structured process designed to prevent gum disease, detect early problems, and protect your long-term oral health.

A professional cleaning is far more thorough than anything you can do at home. It removes hardened tartar, identifies hidden issues, and gives your dentist a clear picture of your overall oral health. This guide walks you step-by-step through what happens during a dental cleaning, why each step matters, and how regular preventive visits save you from future dental complications.

Why Dental Cleanings Matter More Than Most People Realize

Cleanings do far more than polish your teeth. They are essential for:

• Preventing gum disease

• Reducing risk of cavities

• Detecting problems early

• Protecting implant and crown longevity

• Boosting whole-body health

• Spotting early signs of oral cancer

• Maintaining a bright, healthy smile

Skipping cleanings leads to plaque buildup, inflammation, gum recession, and bone loss — all problems that are far more expensive and difficult to treat later.

Learn more about preventive care here:
https://osunadentalcare.com/routine--deep-cleaning

Step 1: A Review of Your Medical and Dental History

Your hygienist begins by reviewing:

• Current medications

• Any medical changes

• Recent symptoms (bleeding, sensitivity, pain)

• Dentist concerns from previous visits

• Your oral hygiene habits

Many medical conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disease, dry mouth, hormonal changes) directly impact gum health. This step ensures your cleaning is customized to your needs.

Step 2: Gum Health Evaluation (Periodontal Charting)

Healthy gums are the foundation of long-term oral health.

Your hygienist will measure:

• Gum pocket depth

• Inflammation

• Bleeding points

• Recession levels

• Plaque buildup

• Bone support around teeth

Pocket depths of 1–3mm are healthy.
Depths of 4mm+ indicate early gum disease.
Depths of 6mm+ show advanced periodontitis.

This step determines whether you need a standard cleaning or a deeper periodontal cleaning.

Step 3: Digital X-Rays (If Needed)

Digital X-rays allow the dentist to:

• Detect cavities between teeth

• Evaluate bone levels

• Identify infection or abscess

• Check root health

• Find hidden dental issues

X-rays are typically taken once per year or as needed.

Learn more about new patient diagnostic exams:
https://osunadentalcare.com/new-patients

Step 4: Plaque and Tartar Removal (Scaling)

This is the “cleaning” part most people think of — but it’s much more detailed.

Using specialized instruments, your hygienist removes:

• Sticky plaque

• Hardened tartar (calculus)

• Buildup above and below the gumline

Tartar cannot be removed at home. Even excellent brushers accumulate some degree of buildup over time.

Removing calculus prevents:

• Gum disease

• Bone loss

• Persistent bad breath

• Tooth mobility

• Implant complications

This is the most important step in preventing long-term periodontal damage.

Step 5: Cleaning Around Crowns, Bridges, and Implants

Restorations require special care. Your hygienist will:

• Use implant-safe instruments

• Clean under implant crowns

• Remove plaque around bridges

• Prevent peri-implantitis

If you have implants, this step is critical for long-term success.
Learn more about implant health here:
https://osunadentalcare.com/dental-implants

Step 6: Polishing to Remove Stains

After scaling, your teeth are polished using:

• A gentle polishing cup

• Micro-abrasive paste

This step removes surface stains from:

• Coffee

• Red wine

• Tea

• Soda

• Cigarettes

• Everyday food pigments

Polishing smoothens the enamel so plaque has a harder time sticking in the future.

Step 7: Flossing and Final Cleaning

Your hygienist flosses your entire mouth to:

• Remove remaining plaque

• Check for bleeding points

• Identify tight contacts or areas you may be missing at home

This is also when they demonstrate any new flossing techniques if needed.

Step 8: Fluoride Treatment (Optional but Recommended)

Fluoride helps:

• Strengthen enamel

• Prevent cavities

• Reduce sensitivity

• Protect exposed roots

• Help kids and adults with high cavity risk

Patients with gum recession or frequent cavities benefit the most.

Step 9: Dental Exam With the Dentist

After your cleaning, the dentist will:

• Check for cavities

• Evaluate bite alignment

• Inspect old fillings or crowns

• Review X-rays

• Look for cracks

• Screen for oral cancer

• Check gum health

• Discuss treatment recommendations

This step catches early problems before they become expensive emergencies.

Step 10: Personalized Hygiene Recommendations

Every mouth is different. You will receive recommendations such as:

• The best toothbrush (electric, soft, etc.)

• Fluoride toothpaste

• Mouthwash options

• Water flosser or interdental brushes

• Frequency of cleanings (3 months vs. 6 months)

• Tips for bleeding gums

• Nightguard evaluation if grinding is present

This personalized plan helps maintain your results between visits.

How Often Should You Get a Cleaning?

Most patients need cleanings every 6 months.

You may need cleanings every 3–4 months if you have:

• Gum disease

• Dental implants

• Diabetes

• Dry mouth

• A history of bone loss

• Braces or clear aligners

• Heavy tartar buildup

Regular 3-month visits help prevent gum disease from returning.

Signs You’re Overdue for a Cleaning

You may need a cleaning if you notice:

• Bleeding gums

• Bad breath

• Tartar buildup

• Sensitivity

• Discoloration

• Gum recession

• Loose teeth

• Food getting stuck between teeth

These are early warning signs of gum disease or decay.

Why Professional Cleanings Outperform Home Brushing

Even with perfect brushing, you cannot remove:

• Hardened tartar

• Deep sub-gumline plaque

• Hidden buildup between teeth

• Bacteria under the gum flap

Only professional tools can reach these areas safely.

Dental Cleanings Protect More Than Your Smile

Research has linked gum disease to:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Diabetes

• Inflammation

• Low birth weight

• Respiratory illness

Routine cleanings reduce inflammation and protect overall health.

Schedule Your Cleaning Today

Whether it’s been 6 months or several years, professional dental cleanings are one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your oral health long-term.

Call Osuna Dental Care at (505) 884-1989
or visit 5900 Cubero Dr NE Ste B, Albuquerque, NM 87109
to schedule your preventive cleaning and exam.