What Is the Procedure Used by Dentists for Cleaning Our Teeth
Your mouth is full of naturally occurring bacteria that are usually harmless. However, with bad oral hygiene practices, the bacteria can reach levels that are harmful to a patient’s oral health resulting in oral diseases. Furthermore, when you fail to brush and floss regularly, tartar and plaque can accumulate on the tooth surface, resulting in bad breath and teeth discoloration. To provide more insight on dental cleaning, we will highlight some of its benefits and the procedure involved.
Dental Cleaning
Dental cleaning is a procedure used to extract plaque and tartar from a patient’s teeth. Although brushing plays a significant role in removing plaque, it is not 100% efficient, especially in patients with tooth gaps and holes. In addition, leftover plaque can harden and calcify, making it even more challenging to remove through brushing. That’s why Dr. Mark Summerford recommends regular dental cleaning for early detection of oral problems and removal of leftover plaque.
Types of Dental Cleaning
There are various types of dental cleaning methods, each meant for different patients depending on their dental needs. When you visit our dental office in Auburn, we will inspect your mouth and determine which is best suited. Here are some of the most common dental cleaning methods:
Prophylaxis Dental Cleaning
In prophylaxis dental cleaning, your dentist will clean your healthy teeth to prevent them from becoming infected with decay and gum disease in the future. The procedure mainly focuses on removing plaque and tartar located on the tooth surface’s front, back, and sides. Prevention is better than cure; practice good oral hygiene and visit us for Dental Checkups in Auburn, AL, to prevent future dental complications.
Scaling and Root Planing Cleaning
Also known as deep cleaning, scaling and root planning are standard procedures that involve cleaning both teeth and gum pockets. The procedure is vital for the treatment of gum-related diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Depending on the severity of the disease, the cleaning procedure may require more than one dental visit to complete.
Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the gum and tooth surface. On the other hand, root planing is used for smoothening of tooth roots for gum-teeth reattachment. By combining these two dental procedures, our dentist in Central Park Dental Care ensures you get the best results after treatment is completed.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning
This procedure is very similar to scaling and root planing; the main difference is that periodontal maintenance is done more regularly than scaling and root planing. Periodontal maintenance cleaning is performed more frequently because gum disease is progressive and worsens with time if not treated properly.
Gross Debridement Cleaning
This is the most thorough dental cleaning procedure performed on a patient. To qualify for this procedure, the patient must have a lot of plaque and tartar due to very poor oral hygiene. Your dentist will use a special electric tool to loosen the tartar on your tooth’s surface and use prophylaxis cleaning to clean your teeth deeply.
Procedure Involved in Dental Cleaning
Physical Exam
When you visit our dental office in Ausburn, we first have to check your mouth for plaque, tartar, and gum pockets before we can proceed with treatment. Then, using a small mirror, our dentist will thoroughly inspect and recommend the best dental cleaning procedure for you.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
With the help of a scraper and a small mirror, your dentist will carefully locate and remove plaque and tartar from your gums, gaps, and tooth surface. The time taken during this process will vary depending on the patient’s dental needs.
Sand and Toothpaste Cleaning
Using a high-powered electric toothbrush, your dentist will brush your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar left after the previous procedure. They will then use a rough textured toothpaste that comes in different scents and flavors to polish your teeth.
Flossing and rinsing
Unlike regular flossing, a professional can dig deep between your teeth gaps and remove any leftover plaque that the toothpaste couldn’t remove. They will then rinse your mouth of any residue that might have been left behind using a fluoride mouthwash.
Fluoride Treatment
After selecting the flavor you best prefer, we will apply the paste on a mouthpiece and fit it on your teeth. After waiting for 1-2 minutes, treatment will be complete, and you can go on with your regular routine.
Advantages of Dental Cleaning
The procedure is relatively fast as it does not require a long recovery time.
By getting rid of plaque and tartar, you lower your chances of developing tooth decay.
Removal of stains from your teeth makes your smile more attractive
It eliminates bad breath, which brushing may fail to remove
Conclusion
Dental cleaning is essential for good oral hygiene. The procedure is painless and has a very short recovery time compared to other dental procedures. In addition, you get to enjoy the cosmetic benefits of dental cleaning while preventing your teeth from decay and gum disease. Prevent future dental emergencies today by visiting our dental clinic in Auburn for the best Oral Exam and Cleaning near you. We use advanced dental equipment to offer all our patients affordable and comprehensive dental care regardless of age.
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