Different Types of Dental Cleanings
You should visit your dentist for a teeth cleaning twice each year 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 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 tooth cleaning that is intended to remove a specified amount of tartar and plaque from the surfaces and from between your teeth as well as on your gums. It is most commonly performed on patients who have an overall healthy mouth and who practice good oral hygiene. This kind of cleaning can also 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 a prophylaxis cleaning too if need be.
Gross Debridement
If it's been a long time since you've visited a dentist, you'll likely have a significant amount of plaque buildup on and between your teeth, on your tongue and on your gums. Also called a deep cleaning, a thorough debridement eliminates plaque and tartar 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 supporting your teeth. This process may take a few dental sessions to finish the cleaning since they have to smooth out the surface of the roots of your teeth in addition to removing the plaque and tartar coating them.
Periodontal Maintenance
Patients who are suffering from common oral health issues like periodontitis and gingivitis will usually require periodontal care in order to keep these illnesses under control and to 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.