Different Types of Dental Cleanings
Two times a year, you should visit your dentist for a 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?
When you grasp the many sorts of dental cleaning treatments, you will be better able to comprehend the terminology your dentist is using as well as what it takes to maintain your oral health and keep your smile bright.
Prophylaxis Cleaning
A prophylaxis cleaning is a routine cleaning that is intended to remove a plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, from under your gum line, between your teeth and on your gums themselves. This cleanings is most commonly performed on patients who have a healthy mouth and who practice good at-home oral hygiene. On top of that, this cleaning will be able to remove some 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 a prophylaxis cleaning 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 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 conduct a comprehensive cleaning of your gums, your gum line and other tissues that support your teeth in your mouth. It may take a few dental sessions to finish this kind of cleaning, since the surface of the root of your tooth will need to be smoothed out in addition to the removal of plaque and tartar that may have 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.