Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. Various teeth cleaning procedures are designed to address specific oral care needs. Here, we will delve into the four main types of dental cleanings and their purposes.
4 Types of Dental Cleanings
Knowing the difference between dental cleaning procedures can help individuals choose the best procedure for their oral health needs. They include:
Prophylaxis Cleaning
A prophylaxis cleaning is a routine maintenance procedure suitable for individuals with a healthy mouth. It focuses on removing expected amounts of tartar and plaque from the surface of teeth, gums, and in between teeth. This type of cleaning is typically recommended for those who practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. Even for individuals with a healthy mouth, prophylaxis cleaning helps eliminate unwanted plaque and minor stains on the teeth.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a slightly more invasive tooth cleaning procedure, although it is non-surgical. This deep cleaning targets the gums, gum lines, and supporting structures of teeth. It is often recommended for individuals with gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Due to its thorough nature, scaling and root planing may require multiple dental visits.
Gross Debridement
When an individual has not visited the dentist in several years, a fair amount of plaque may have built up on the gums, teeth, and between teeth. In such cases, gross debridement, a deep cleaning procedure, is employed to remove tartar and plaque comprehensively. The need for gross debridement is determined after an oral examination, where the dentist assesses whether a routine prophylaxis cleaning is sufficient or if additional measures are required.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is geared toward individuals with severe oral concerns, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. This cleaning involves frequent dental visits to clean the entire mouth area over a specified period. It continues until all oral health issues are adequately addressed.
Regular dental check-ups and the appropriate cleaning method contribute significantly to maintaining a healthy and vibrant smile. For personalized advice on the most suitable dental cleaning for your situation, consult with our dentist, the oral health expert.
Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Dr. Bryan Freeman and Dr. Cheryl Freeman
Dental Blog | Dentist Asheboro, NC | Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Drs. Bryan Freeman & Cheryl Freeman are offering this educational blog as a resource to the great Asheboro, NC community. Click here to read our latest posts! Randolph Center for Dental Excellence, 134 Davis Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 ~ (336) 444-2772 ~ freemandds.com ~ 10/9/2024 ~ Related Phrases: dentist Asheboro NC ~
Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. Various teeth cleaning procedures are designed to address specific oral care needs. Here, we will delve into the four main types of dental cleanings and their purposes.