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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?
Understanding the various dental cleaning procedures will help you better understand your dentist's terminology and what it takes to maintain your oral health and keep your smile bright.
Prophylaxis Cleaning
A prophylaxis cleaning is a routine cleaning that removes a certain amount of plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, between your teeth, and on your gums. It is most commonly used on patients who have a healthy mouth in general and practice good oral hygiene. It also removes surface stains from your teeth.
This cleaning will almost certainly be done during one of your regular dental appointments. It is usually done by a dental hygienist, but your dentist can do it as well if necessary.
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 a deep cleaning, is a procedure that cleans your mouth of plaque and tartar in every nook and cranny.
To determine whether you need a gross debridement cleaning procedure, your dentist will examine your mouth. Before administering a typical prophylaxis, a thorough debridement is performed if necessary.
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 clean your gums, gum line, and any other tissues that support your teeth thoroughly. Because they need to smooth out the surface of your tooth root as well as remove any plaque and tartar that has formed on it, the cleaning may take several dental sessions to complete.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal care is typically necessary for patients who have common oral health issues like gingivitis or periodontitis to keep these conditions under control and stop them from worsening.
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.