Different Types of Dental Cleanings
At least twice a year you should visit your dentist for a professional dental cleaning and exam in order to help maintain your teeth and to make sure that no major oral health concerns have arisen in your mouth.
But did you know that your dentist may employ a variety of cleaning techniques depending on your specific needs?
Here are some of the different dental cleanings that are offered:
Prophylaxis Cleaning
A prophylaxis cleaning is a routine cleaning that is meant to remove an average build-up of plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, between your teeth, and on your gums. It is most commonly performed on patients who have an overall healthy mouth and who practice good oral hygiene. Additionally, it will remove surface stains from your teeth.
This cleaning will most likely be performed at one of your regularly scheduled dental appointments. It is also usually performed by a dental hygienist, but your dentist has the skills and knowledge to perform prophylaxis cleanings too if need be.
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 normal prophylaxis.
Scaling and Root Planing
Patients suffering from gum disease, known 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, including below the gum line. 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 suffer from common oral health concerns such as gingivitis or periodontitis will usually require periodontal care in order to keep these illnesses under control and prevent them from progressing.
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.