There Are Several Types of Dental Cleanings
There are several several types of dental cleanings used by dentists to prevent gum disease. We know that you want to protect your smile, and professional dental cleanings will help you achieve that goal. In this case, preventing gum disease and maintaining a great smile allow you to live healthily. In fact, as readers of our oral health blog, you understand that practicing sound oral health habits aids in preventing dental-related illnesses. Over time, inadequate oral health can lead to bone loss, cardiovascular disease, strokes, cancers, and other health problems. Schedule your dental exam now!
Benefits of Dental Cleanings
- Your dental hygienist removes most of the stains that dull and discolour your teeth, leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile.
- A teeth cleaning prevents gum disease, reducing early tooth loss.
- Many oral cancers are curable if detected early, so routine cleaning identifies the early stages of oral cancer.
- Strong evidence exists of a link between cardiovascular disease and gum disease. So having your teeth cleaned twice yearly reduces your chances of potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes.
- During a professional dental cleaning, your detection will look for early signs of problems such as broken fillings and fractures.
- Your dentist can easily create a treatment plan and financial arrangements based on your dental exam findings.
Types of Dental Cleanings
As you know, the recommended schedule for teeth cleaning is every six months. So, twice a year, you sit in the dental chair, and your dentist performs an oral exam, then your hygienist cleans your teeth. What are they doing when they are cleaning your teeth? The cleaning type depends on your risk level as a dental patient.
PROPHYLAXIS CLEANING
Patients who stick to the twice-per-year schedule most likely only need a prophylaxis cleaning. Also known as a routine dental cleaning appointment, it involves a careful examination of the entire oral cavity, an oral cancer screening, and evaluation of the risk of periodontitis. You want to reduce your risk of oral cancer and schedule a dental exam.
The benefits of dental prophylaxis:
- First, tartar removal is a great first step. As you know, untreated tartar and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can create serious periodontal problems if left untreated.
- Second, Aesthetics is important for self-confidence. In this case, remove the yellowing and any stains from your teeth and feel confident about your smile. Regular dental cleanings rid the teeth of unsightly stains and brighten your smile.
- Third, a fresh breath helps you professionally. As important, persistent bad breath/halitosis is a sign of periodontal disease. This means a combination of rotting food particles below the gum line and gangrene stemming from gum infection is what is occurring.
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gum line for patients at high risk of developing gum disease or patients with gum disease. The bacteria in plaque can cause your gums to become inflamed. As you know, plaque is always forming on your teeth. This means, if you are not able to remove the sticky film with regular brushing, then you will need your dentist to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
The Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
- Prevents gum disease
- Tooth loss prevention
- Stops tooth decay
- Protects the tooth’s roots
- Eliminates bad breath associated with gum disease
GROSS DEBRIDEMENT
For patients not following a twice-per-year dental cleaning schedule, total removal of plaque and tartar is most likely needed. Generally high-risk patients most likely have a buildup of plaque, tartar, and swollen gums. In this case, these issues will get in the way of your dentist performing a thorough oral exam. During your appointment, your hygienist uses an electric scaler (piezoelectric scaler) to remove the tartar buildup from your teeth. The electric scaler uses vibration with water to remove tartar, pulverize calculus, and remove stains from your teeth surfaces. Which will allow your dentist to perform a proper exam and allow your gums to heal. After the debridement, your hygienist will show you how to properly care for your teeth at home.
Schedule A Comprehensive Dental Examination
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2663 Shaughnessy St.
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C3G7
Call Us: 604-464-4131
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