Routine cleaning: A dental cleaning, also known as a prophylaxis, is a routine procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), and stains from the teeth. Regular cleanings help prevent dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Here’s an overview of what happens during a typical dental cleaning: • X-rays (if needed): Cavity detecting Xrays (bitewing) are taken once a year, and full mouth series of Xrays are taken every 5 years to detect possible decay, bone loss and infection. • Visual Inspection: The dentist and hygienist will visually examine your mouth, gums, and teeth to check for signs of any issues, like cavities or gum disease.
• Cleaning: This involves using special tools or an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth, especially around the gumline. Tartar can’t be removed by brushing alone, so scaling is necessary to keep your teeth healthy. • Polishing: After scaling, the hygienist will polish your teeth using a rotating brush and a gritty toothpaste. This helps remove any remaining plaque, stains, and smooths the surface of your teeth. • Flossing: The hygienist will floss between your teeth to ensure there’s no remaining plaque or tartar in the tight spaces that your toothbrush might have missed. • Fluoride Treatment (Optional but highly recommended): After cleaning, you will be given the option to apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the enamel and protect against cavities. This treatment is not always covered by your insurance but our doctors recommend it to keep your teeth the healthiest they could be. • Post Cleaning Oral Hygiene Instructions: Your dentist or hygienist may provide tips for improving your oral hygiene routine and discuss any areas of concern in your mouth that need attention.
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is a non-surgical dental procedure used to treat periodontal (gum) disease. It occurs when a routine cleaning isn't enough to address the buildup of plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) below the gumline. This procedure helps prevent further gum damage, tooth loss, and can restore your gums to a healthier state. Patients who need Scaling and Root Planing will have: • Deep Periodontal Pockets: If your gum pockets measure 5mm or deeper, scaling and root planing may be required to treat the infection and prevent further damage. • Radiographic tartar (calculus): Tartar that is big enough to be seen on the x-ray will trigger bone loss which further deeps the periodontal pocket. • Signs of bone loss: When bone loss is noted on the x-ray, deep cleaning is needed to reach the bottom of the pocket created by bone loss. Scaling and Root Planing will consist of 2 appointments in which half of the mouth will be cleaned at a time. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar (calculus) from both the tooth surface and the roots, below the gumline. The hygienist uses specialized tools, such as ultrasonic scalers (which vibrate to remove tartar) or manual scalers, to break up and remove the plaque and tartar buildup. Scaling is done to thoroughly clean the areas between the teeth and gums, including the pockets where bacteria can collect. Root Planing: After scaling, the roots of the teeth are smoothened to remove any rough spots where bacteria and plaque can accumulate. This step also helps promote the reattachment of healthy gum tissue to the tooth surface, reducing gum pockets and helping the gums heal properly. - Root planing helps to reduce inflammation in the gums and can improve the overall health of the gums over time. Root planing helps to reduce inflammation in the gums and can improve the overall health of the gums over time.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning: A periodontal maintenance cleaning is a specialized dental cleaning for patients who have been treated for periodontal disease (gum disease). Periodontal disease can cause damage to the gums and bone structure that supports the teeth. A regular dental cleaning might not be sufficient for someone who has had this type of disease, so periodontal maintenance is required to manage and prevent further damage. A Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning will include all components of a typical cleaning and a few extra steps listed below. Periodontal Maintenance cleanings might also be more frequent. Examination: The hygienist will evaluate your oral health, checking for any signs of infection or inflammation. They may measure the depths of the periodontal pockets around your teeth to monitor for any signs of disease progression.
Thorough Cleaning: The dental hygienist will clean the teeth above and below the gumline. This includes scaling the teeth to remove plaque and tartar that have built up since the last cleaning. Cleaning the Gum Pockets: For patients with gum disease, cleaning around the teeth is especially important. If you have deep pockets (spaces between your teeth and gums), they’ll be carefully cleaned to remove debris and bacteria that may be trapped. Polishing: After scaling, the teeth are polished with a gritty paste to remove any surface stains and smooth the tooth enamel. Flossing: Just like in a routine cleaning, the hygienist will floss between the teeth to ensure that no plaque or tartar remains. Fluoride Treatment (Optional but highly recommended): After cleaning, you will be given the option to apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the enamel and protect against cavities. This treatment is not always covered by your insurance but our doctors recommend it to keep your teeth the healthiest they could be. Post Cleaning Oral Hygiene Instructions: It's crucial to follow the dentist’s advice on at-home care to manage gum disease. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and possibly using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help control bacteria and keep your gums healthy between cleanings.
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