Different Types of Dental Cleanings
It's recommended to visit your dentist twice a year for a teeth cleaning to keep your teeth healthy and identify any potential oral health issues.
Did you know that dentists use different cleaning techniques based on individual needs? Understanding the various dental cleaning treatments will help you understand the terms your dentist uses and what it takes to maintain oral health and a bright smile.
Prophylaxis Cleaning
A prophylaxis cleaning is a standard cleaning procedure that aims to remove a specific amount of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, between them, and along your gums. It is typically done during regular dental appointments for patients with a generally healthy mouth and good oral hygiene practices. Additionally, this cleaning can help eliminate surface stains from your teeth.
Typically, a dental hygienist performs this type of cleaning at your scheduled dental visits. However, if necessary, your dentist can also perform a prophylaxis cleaning since they possess the expertise and skills for it.
Gross Debridement
If you haven't seen a dentist in a long time, you're likely to have a significant amount of plaque buildup on and between your teeth, as well as on your gums and tongue. A thorough debridement, also known as a deep cleaning, is a procedure that eliminates plaque and tartar from all areas of your mouth.
Your dentist will inspect your mouth to determine whether or not you require a gross debridement cleaning procedure. If necessary, a thorough debridement is carried out prior to the administration of a normal prophylaxis.
Scaling and Root Planing
Patients suffering from gum disorders such as gingivitis or periodontitis are frequently recommended this more intrusive, non-surgical teeth cleaning method.
Your dentist will do a thorough cleaning of your gums, gum line, and any other tissues that support your teeth. It may take many dental sessions to finish the cleaning since they need to smooth out the surface of your tooth root as well as remove any plaque and tartar that has formed on it.
Periodontal Maintenance
Patients who experience common oral health issues like gingivitis or periodontitis typically need periodontal care to manage these conditions and prevent them from worsening.
These individuals often require many visits over a specific length of time or until all oral health concerns have been addressed in order for the dentist to thoroughly clean their whole mouth.