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 employ a variety of cleaning techniques depending on your specific needs?
When you understand the different kinds of dental cleaning treatments, you will be able to better understand the terminology your dentist uses as well as what it takes for you to maintain your oral health and keep your smile healthy and bright.
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 will most likely be performed at one of your regularly scheduled dental appointments. It is also usually performed by a dental hygienist. However, your dentist has the skills and knowledge to perform aprophylaxis cleaning too if need be.
Gross Debridement
If you haven't seen a dentist in a while, it's likely that you'll have a fair amount of plaque and tartar built up between your teeth, on you gums and on your tongue. A thorough debridement, also called a deep cleaning, will eliminate this 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 thorough cleaning of your gum line, gums and any other tissues that support your teeth. It may take a number of dental sessions to finish this cleaning since they will need to smooth out the surface of your tooth root in order to remove as much plaque and tartar as possible.
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.