That fresh breath feeling you get after a trip to the dentist is one of a kind! It doesn’t last forever though. Plaque eventually accumulates, and it’s time for another cleaning before you know it.
A dental cleaning is not one size fits all. Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, your mouth might require some extra TLC. There are many factors to consider when establishing an oral care plan. Below are some different types of dental cleanings.
Prophylaxis (“Prophy”): Commonly known as a regular cleaning, a prophylaxis is performed by a dental hygienist on a healthy mouth typically every six months. Considered a preventative procedure, a prophylaxis consists of cleaning only the the visible part of the tooth called the crown. The hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove surface stains, plaque, and calculus buildup. After the “gunk” is removed, your teeth will be polished and flossed. During this routine cleaning, the hygienist will assess your mouth for any abnormalities and make sure your gums are healthy. A big perk of this dental service is that it’s often fully covered by most insurance companies because it’s preventative care. Those who get their routine cleanings per dentist recommendations, along with proper oral hygiene at home, can often avoid serious dental problems.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): This procedure goes beyond the tooth’s surface and is a bit more invasive than a regular cleaning. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gumline, often used to treat periodontal (gum) disease. During this procedure, the patient's mouth is numbed while tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gumline (scaling), and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing).
*Quick refresher - Periodontal Disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth, eventually affecting the jawbone itself in the disease’s most advanced stages. Plaque is the main culprit for gum disease, and if left untreated, plaque can turn into tartar (calculus).
Red Flags for gum disease:
- gums that bleed easily
- inflamed or red gums
- loose teeth
- painful chewing
- receding gum line
- tooth sensitivity
Periodontal Maintenance: Think of this as routine care for those with periodontal problems such as periodontal disease, bone loss, or infection. This takes the place of a prophylaxis. Periodontal maintenance is the next step of care following gum surgery or scaling and root planing. Your dentist may recommend periodontal maintenance every couple of months depending on the condition of your gums, how quickly plaque accumulates, and how well you care for your mouth at home.
Getting your teeth cleaned regularly and following your dentist’s orders of routine periodontal maintenance is crucial to your oral health. Chronic inflammation of the gums is linked to overall health, particularly diabetes and heart disease, so a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body!
If you would like to schedule a cleaning or have concerns regarding periodontal disease, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.