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.
However, did you know that your dentist may use a variety of cleaning techniques depending on your unique needs?
When you are able to understand the options you have when it comes to dental cleanings, you will be better able to understand what your dentist is trying to tell you as well as what it takes to maintain your oral health and keep your smile healthy.
Prophylaxis Cleaning
A prophylaxis cleaning is a routine cleaning that is meant to remove a specified amount 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 is most likely performed at a routinely schedule dental appointment. It is also usually performed by a dental hygienist, but your dentist also has all the knowledge and skills required to perform a prophylaxis cleaning too if need be.
Gross Debridement
If you haven't seen your dentist in a long time, you are likely to have a significant amount of plaque buildup on and between you teeth as well as on your tongue and gums. A deep cleanings, also called a debridement, is a procedure that eliminates tartar and plauqe from all the 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 thorough cleaning of your gum line, gums and any other tissues that support your teeth. It may take more than one session to finishing this kind of cleaning since not only does the dentist need to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, but they will have to resurface the roots of your teeth.
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.