Receiving a teeth cleaning can be a great way to ensure teeth stay healthy and there are not any serious oral health concerns that develop with the teeth and the supporting structures. By having a full understanding of what each teeth cleaning type does and is used for, you can gain a better understanding of what is needed to keep your teeth healthy and your smile looking great.
There are different types of teeth cleaning procedures, and the type your dentist is likely to utilize relies heavily upon your specific oral care needs.
The following are the four main types of teeth cleaning procedures.
A prophylaxis cleaning is a teeth cleaning procedure that is mainly used on individuals with an overall healthy mouth. A prophylaxis cleaning is designed to perform routine maintenance, such as removing an expected amount of tartar and plaque from the surface of teeth, gums and in between teeth.
For those who visit the dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene, a prophylaxis cleaning is likely to be the recommended teeth cleaning procedure. Although those who receive a prophylaxis teeth cleaning generally have a fairly healthy mouth to start with, it can help individuals remove unwanted plaque and any minor stains that exist on the surface of the teeth.
Scaling and root planing is a slightly more invasive teeth cleaning procedure (although it is non-surgical) that involves a deep cleaning of the gums, gum line and other supporting structures of teeth.
Scaling and root planing is often recommended for individuals who suffer from gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Since scaling and root planing involves smoothing out the surface of the tooth root and removing any tartar and plaque that exists, it can at times take multiple dental visits to complete.
In the event an individual has not visited the dentist in several years, there is likely to be a fair amount of plaque that has built up on the gums, teeth and in between teeth. Subsequently, a gross debridement, which is a deep cleaning used to remove tartar and plaque in all areas of the mouth, is often utilized for individuals who have not visited the dentist in a while.
However, not everyone who has not visited the dentist in a while receives a gross debridement. The first thing the dentist does is perform an oral examination. After the oral exam, the dentist decides whether a routine prophylaxis teeth cleaning is enough or if a gross debridement is needed before the prophylaxis cleaning.
Periodontal maintenance refers to routine maintenance for individuals who suffer from serious oral concerns. Most notably, periodontal maintenance may be provided for individuals with gingivitis or periodontitis.
Periodontal maintenance generally includes frequent visits to the dentist to clean the entire area of the mouth. It is usually performed over a specified amount of time or until all oral health concerns are properly dealt with and the symptoms of gum disease are managed and fully under control.
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Mouth cancer is a severe condition that can develop from many causes. Sadly, the condition is not often discovered in its early stages and can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation. Fortunately, early detection of oral cancer makes the treatment easier, and recovery chances increase.
This is why regular dental checkups are essential. Through dental appointments, the dentist will be able to diagnose life-threatening conditions and suggest possible methods of treatments.
Brushing and flossing regularly is essential in order to prevent cavities, but there are areas of the mouth that the brush cannot reach. These areas tend to trap little food particles that over time turn to plaque or tartar. When tartar accumulates on the teeth, they lead to tooth decay and tooth pain.
During your dental checkup, the dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to remove traces of plaques and tartar. This will lessen the chances of developing cavities remarkably.
Tooth decay is not the only dental issue caused by plaque and tartar. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is a result of plaque’s invasion of gum tissues connecting the gum and the teeth. If neglected, gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis and eventual tooth loss.
Gingivitis treatment is usually very costly and sometimes requires surgical procedures, medications, and thorough deep cleaning. To prevent the risk of gingivitis, you should visit the dentist regularly.
Many bad habits have negative impacts on your oral health. You may be practicing these habits regularly without realizing they could pose a threat to your teeth. These habits include brushing your teeth harshly, biting your nails and chewing ice.
When you go to the dentist's office for your routine dental appointment, the dentist will examine your teeth for damages caused by any of these bad habits. Through this, you will be aware of the bad habits that you did not know, and how to stop them before they cause dental issues.
One of the best ways to detect the presence of damages on the teeth and gums is through X-ray scans. X-rays allow the dentist to identify changes in the normal condition of the teeth and gums that would be otherwise invisible to the naked eye.
X-rays can help detect potential gum disease or impacted wisdom teeth. They can also help to discover other oral health issues such as mouth cancer. In most cases, early detection of oral conditions is vital to prevent complications and ensures easy treatment.
While experts recommend seeing a dentist twice a year, you should not hesitate to book an appointment if you detect any sign of abnormalities in your mouth. Dental cleanings during checkups are essential for preserving the quality of your smile and keeping your teeth healthy. Speak to one of our dental health professionals today.
Request an appointment here: or call Pearl Dental Group at (909) 596-5959 for an appointment in our La Verne office.
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Receiving a teeth cleaning can be a great way to ensure teeth stay healthy and there are not any serious oral health concerns that develop with the teeth and the supporting structures. By having a full understanding of what each teeth cleaning type does and is used for, you can gain a better understanding of…