A dental cleaning, also known as a dental prophylaxis. It is a professional procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist to maintain optimal oral health. It involves the thorough removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth and gums. We do this to prevent problems and maintain a healthy smile.
The purpose of a dental cleaning is to:
Remove Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth and gums. This can lead to cavities and gum disease. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be eliminated with regular brushing and flossing.
Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease, is also known as periodontal disease. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums. Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease or catch it early for prompt treatment.
Maintain Oral Health
Dental cleanings help maintain healthy teeth and gums. This can prevent issues like bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth loss, which can result from neglecting oral hygiene.
The steps involved in a typical dental cleaning procedure are:
1. Examination
Before the cleaning, the dental professional examines your teeth and gums. this is done to check for any signs of oral health problems that need special attention.
2. Plaque and Tartar Removal
Using specialized tools, the dental hygienist or dentist carefully removes plaque and tartar buildup from all tooth surfaces and along the gumline. This process is called scaling.
3. Tooth Polishing
After scaling, the teeth are polished to remove surface stains and create a smooth surface. This is done to make it harder for plaque to accumulate.
4. Flossing and Fluoride Treatment
The dental hygienist flosses between your teeth to clean areas that brushing cannot reach. Then fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen and protect your teeth.
We typically recommend dental cleanings every six months for most people. However, some individuals with specific oral health conditions or risk factors may require more frequent cleanings. Regular dental cleanings are essential for oral health because they:
- Prevent Cavities: Removing plaque and tartar helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.
- Reduce Gum Disease Risk: Regular cleanings can significantly lower the risk of gum disease and its associated complications.
- Promote Fresh Breath: Removing plaque and bacteria reduces bad breath.
- Enhance Overall Health: Good oral health is linked to better overall health, as some systemic conditions may be influenced by oral health issues.
Dental Cleaning Types
Some people may need different types of dental cleanings based on their specific oral health needs and conditions. The two primary types of dental cleanings are regular dental cleanings (prophylaxis) and deep cleanings (periodontal cleanings). The distinction between these two cleanings lies in the extent of oral health issues and the level of cleaning required.
1. Regular Dental Cleanings (Prophylaxis)
We recommend these cleanings for individuals with generally good oral health who maintain regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. We typically recommend regular cleanings every six months. They involve removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the teeth and gums, along with tooth polishing. We do this to maintain oral health and prevent cavities and gum disease.
2. Deep Cleanings (Periodontal Cleanings)
Deep cleanings are necessary for individuals with signs of gum disease (periodontal disease). Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar buildup cause inflammation and infection of the gums. If we detect gum disease during a regular dental exam, the dentist or dental hygienist may recommend a deep cleaning. We also refer to deep cleanings as scaling and root planing, or SRPs. This procedure involves cleaning below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth roots. We then smooth tooth surfaces to prevent further plaque buildup. Deep cleanings may require local anesthesia for comfort.
People with the following conditions may require different types of cleanings:
- Gum Disease: Individuals with gingivitis (early stage of gum disease) or periodontitis (advanced gum disease) may need deep cleanings to address the infection and inflammation in the gums.
- Heavy Plaque and Tartar Buildup: Some individuals may have a higher propensity to develop plaque and tartar, making more frequent deep cleanings necessary.
- Sensitive Teeth or Gums: Patients with sensitive teeth or gums may need modified cleaning techniques or special tools to ensure a comfortable cleaning experience.
- Dental Restorations: Patients with dental restorations such as crowns or bridges may require specific cleaning techniques to maintain their oral health and the longevity of the restorations.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or immunocompromised conditions, may impact oral health and necessitate personalized cleaning plans.
We determine the type of cleaning required through a thorough dental examination. This includes evaluating the patient’s oral health, assessing the presence of gum disease, and identifying any other specific oral health needs. Based on the findings, the dentist or dental hygienist will tailor the cleaning approach to meet the individual’s unique requirements for optimal oral health.
In summary, dental cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, preventing dental problems, and promoting a healthy smile, making them an essential part of routine dental care.
Patients should not let insurance coverage dictate treatment choices because insurance plans may limit options or only cover certain procedures. Optimal treatment should be based on the dentist’s professional judgment and the patient’s oral health needs, ensuring the best outcome and long-term oral well-being. Read More About Dental Insurance