Teeth Cleaning | Teeth Cleaning Near me

Teeth Cleaning | Types of Teeth Cleanings

There are three main types of dental cleanings: prophylaxis cleaning, scaling and root planing, and gross debridement. While they all accomplish essentially the same thing — cleaner teeth — they are performed differently and for different reasons.

What is a Prophylaxis?

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning procedure performed to thoroughly clean the teeth. Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for halting the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis. The dental treatment involves polishing the teeth to control bacteria on the teeth and just beneath the gum line. A prophy is typically performed twice per year, or every six months, to maintain healthy gums and teeth.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling is when your dentist removes all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gumline, making sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. Your dentist will then begin root planing, smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. The dental treatment involves scraping away tartar from your teeth and under your gum line. It's done with either a hand-held scraper or an ultrasonic device that uses vibrations to loosen and remove plaque. Deep cleaning is also known as scaling and root planning. Removing plaque and tarter from the teeth's surface and gum pockets is known as scaling, while root planning involves removing plaque and tarter from the surface of the roots.

What is Gross Debridement?

A debridement is defined as the “gross removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) that interfere with the ability of the dentist to perform a comprehensive oral examination”. What this means is that there is a buildup of plaque and calculus that has started to imbed itself in and around the gums and between the teeth. Full mouth debridement involves the preliminary removal of plaque and calculus that interferes with the ability of the dentist to perform a comprehensive oral evaluation. These deposits prevent a thorough evaluation of the patient's teeth and supporting gingival structures.

Here at LADD Dental Group, we offer all three types of teeth cleanings! Give our dental team a call today, and start smiling with confidence!

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