Different Types of Dental Cleanings
Two times a year, you should visit your dentist for teeth cleaning 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?
When you understand the various types of dental cleaning treatments, you will be able to better understand the terminology used by your dentist as well as 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 performed on patients who have a healthy mouth in general and practise good oral hygiene. It will also remove surface stains from your teeth.
This cleaning will most likely be done during one of your regular dental appointments. It is typically performed by a dental hygienist, but your dentist has the skills and knowledge to perform prophylaxis cleaning as well if necessary.
Gross Debridement
If you haven't seen a dentist in a while, you're likely to have a lot of plaque on and between your teeth, as well as on your gums and tongue. A thorough debridement, also known as deep cleaning, is a procedure that removes plaque and tartar from your entire mouth.
Your dentist will examine your mouth to see if you need a gross debridement cleaning procedure. Before administering standard 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 usually required for patients who have common oral health issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis 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 for the dentist to thoroughly clean their whole mouth.