Dental Cleanings
Service Details
A regular cleaning, called a Prophy, is provided in the presence of healthy oral tissues and is considered a preventative removal of plaque and tartar deposits mostly above the gumline. A Prophy is recommended every 6 months to prevent gum disease. If plaque and tartar are not professionally removed twice a year, it will continue to build up and spread below the gum line causing inflammation of soft tissues and the loss of bone structure around the teeth. This is periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease.
In the presence of disease, we recommend a deep cleaning called Scale and Root Plane. This is a nonsurgical treatment for gum disease that can be provided to you by your hygienist. During Scaling and Root Planing, tartar is removed from below the gum line and from the root surfaces of the teeth in order to achieve health of the soft tissues and arrest the disease. After Scale and Root Plane, depending on individual severity of disease, Periodontal Maintenance cleanings are recommended every 3, 4, or 6 months to manage the disease and maintain the health of oral tissues and bone level.
Plaque and tartar lead to a number of problems like:
Cavities
Cavities are holes that form and damage the structure of your teeth.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is swollen, inflamed, bleeding of the gums
Periodontitis
The destruction of ligaments and bone that support the teeth.
To maintain healthy teeth and gums, follow these steps:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably after every meal and at bedtime.
- Floss at least once per day.
- Schedule an appointment with a dentist for a routine cleaning and examination. Many dentists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months.
- Keep dentures, retainers, and other appliances clean. This includes regular brushing and may include soaking them in a cleansing solution.
