Types of Dental Cleanings

By knowing about the different types of dental cleanings, you can communicate with your dentist more effectively. Today, our Stayner dentists talk about the different types of dental cleaning and how they could help improve your oral health.

The Types of Dental Cleanings

You should see your dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning,  this helps you maintain your teeth and make sure there are no major oral health concerns developing in your mouth.

But did you know that your dentist may employ a variety of cleaning techniques depending on your specific needs?

When you grasp the many sorts of dental cleaning treatments, you will be better able to comprehend the terminology your dentist is using 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 is meant to remove a certain amount of plaque and tartar from your gums, the surfaces of your teeth,  and between your teeth. It is most often performed on patients that have an overall healthy mouth and practice good oral hygiene. In addition to this, it will remove surface stains from your teeth.

This cleaning will most likely be performed at one of your regularly scheduled dental appointments. It is also usually performed by a dental hygienist, but your dentist has the skills and knowledge to perform prophylaxis cleaning too if required.

Gross Debridement

If you haven't seen a dentist in a long time, you probably have a significant amount of plaque buildup on and between your teeth, as well as on your tongue and gums. A thorough debridement, also called a deep cleaning, is a procedure that eliminates plaque and tartar from all areas of your mouth.

Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine if you need a gross debridement cleaning procedure. If necessary, a thorough debridement is carried out prior to the administration of a normal prophylaxis.

Scaling and Root Planing

Patients suffering from gum disorders like gingivitis or periodontitis are often recommended this more intrusive, non-surgical teeth cleaning procedure.

Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive cleaning of your gums, gum line, and any other tissues that support your teeth. It may take multiple dental sessions to finish the cleaning 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.

Periodontal Maintenance

Patients that suffer from common oral health concerns such as gingivitis or periodontitis will usually require periodontal care in order 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 in order for the dentist to thoroughly clean their whole mouth.

Contact our Stayner dentists today to schedule your next dental cleaning.