Different Types of Dental Cleanings
Two times a year, you should visit your dentist for teeth cleaning 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?
Understanding the various dental cleaning procedures will help you better understand the language your dentist uses as well as what it takes to maintain your oral health and keep your smile radiant.
Prophylaxis Cleaning
A routine cleaning called prophylaxis is intended to remove a specific amount of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, the spaces in between them, and the gum line. Patients who maintain good oral hygiene and have a generally healthy mouth are the ones who typically have it done. It will also get rid of surface stains on 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 cleaning too if need be.
Gross Debridement
If it's been a while since your last dental visit, you probably have a lot of plaque on and between your teeth, as well as on your gums and tongue. A thorough debridement also referred to as deep cleaning, is a procedure that cleans your mouth of plaque and tartar in every nook and cranny.
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 disorders such as gingivitis or periodontitis are frequently recommended this more intrusive, non-surgical teeth cleaning method.
Your gums, gum line, and any other tissues that support your teeth will all be thoroughly cleaned by your dentist. Since your tooth root needs to have its surface smoothed out and any plaque and tartar that has built up on it removed, the cleaning may require several dental visits.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal care is typically necessary for patients who have common oral health issues like gingivitis or periodontitis in order to manage and stop the progression of their conditions.
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.