Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning is procedure completed on adults and children every 3-6 months depending on the frequency needed by each individual patient. There are a variety of dental cleanings that may be completed depending on what is needed by each patient.
Types of cleanings:
Prophylaxis
A prophylaxis is a cleaning in which the hygienist cleans the teeth from the top of the gum to the top of the tooth. The front and back of all teeth is cleaned by the hygienist using dental tools such as a cavitron, to remove any plaque or bacteria that may cause irritation and periodontal disease. These cleanings should be completed at least every six months to assure healthy gums and avoid periodontal disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
A scaling and root planing is completed on patients who have the beginning of bone loss with medium to severe inflammation that causing bleeding in the gums. The hygienist uses a topical anesthetic to numb the gums so that he/she may scrap remove the plaque buildup that has begun to form beneath the gums. After a scaling and root planing, it is recommended that a patient revisit the office for a periodontal maintenance after 4-6 weeks.
