A regular cleaning involves polishing and tartar removal. It is also known as prophylaxis. Prophy means action taken to prevent disease. Tartar builds up on the teeth and can cause gum disease and bone to pull away from the teeth. Routine cleaning is important for maintaining dental health. Deep cleaning is more intensive and involves the removal of tartar and plaque that have built up below the gum line. A full mouth debridement can restore oral health and improve the appearance of teeth.
The first of the three types of dental cleanings is routine cleaning. In this type, the dentist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar deposits and polish teeth using a gritted paste. After a cleaning, your hygienist will likely prescribe a fluoride mouthwash to help prevent the buildup of tartar. A deep cleaning will usually take several sessions to achieve the desired results.
A deep cleaning, on the other hand, is more extensive than regular cleaning. This type of cleaning involves the removal of stain and tartar above the gum line. Healthy gums appear pink and do not bleed, and they hug each tooth tightly. A healthy periodontal pocket depth is anywhere from one millimeter to three millimeters. In addition, deep cleaning removes deposits of plaque that extend beyond the gum line.
A deep clean use special dental tools and sometimes a topical numbing agent. With advancements in technology, dentists can significantly reduce the amount of discomfort associated with this procedure. The goal of this cleaning is to improve oral health, so it is recommended that patients have regular visits. For most people, cleaning is done every six months. There are three types of dental cleanings, each with a different purpose.
Prophylaxis cleanings are necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Regular cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. Dental hygienists complete this procedure to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. A prophylaxis cleaning should be performed at least twice a year, but if you have active gum disease, you may need to go more often. If your oral hygiene routine has improved, then a prophylaxis cleaning may be enough to maintain your dental health.
Gross debridement cleanings are more invasive cleanings. During this procedure, your dentist will use electric tools to loosen plaque and tartar from your teeth. After this procedure, your dentist will perform regular prophylaxis cleaning. However, it is best to avoid these procedures if you have had any previous dental issues. Most people need a dental cleaning at least twice a year. If you have a history of putting off dental visits, a prophylaxis cleaning may be more beneficial.
Getting a dental cleaning is essential to keeping your gums healthy. While regular prophylaxis cleanings can help control plaque buildup, deep cleanings are usually necessary. Scaling and root planing are both nonsurgical procedures that remove tartar below the gum line. While both procedures are painful, the pain associated with this procedure can be mitigated with a local anesthetic. So, if you want to avoid these procedures, consider getting a prophylaxis cleaning every six months.
