Types of Dental Cleanings

Learning about the different types of dental cleanings will help you communicate more effectively with your dentist and maintain good oral health. Dentists at our London offices explain how each sort of dental cleaning procedure is carried out.

Different Types of Dental Cleanings

Two times a year, you should visit your dentist for teeth cleaning in order to help maintain your teeth and to make sure that no major oral health concerns have arisen in your mouth.

But did you know that your dentist may employ a variety of cleaning techniques depending on your specific needs?

When you understand the various types of dental cleaning treatments, you will be able to better understand the terminology used by your dentist as well as what it takes to maintain your oral health and keep your smile bright.

Prophylaxis Cleaning

A prophylaxis cleaning is a routine cleaning that removes a predetermined amount of plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, between your teeth, and on your gums. It is most commonly performed on patients who have a healthy mouth overall and practise good oral hygiene. It will also remove surface stains from your teeth.

This cleaning will most likely be performed at one of your regularly scheduled dental appointments. It is also usually performed by a dental hygienist, but your dentist has the skills and knowledge to perform prophylaxis cleaning too if need be.

Gross Debridement

If you haven't seen a dentist in a while, you're likely to have a lot of plaque on and between your teeth, as well as on your gums and tongue. A thorough debridement, also known as deep cleaning, is a procedure that removes plaque and tartar from your entire mouth.

Your dentist will inspect your mouth to determine whether or not you require a gross debridement cleaning procedure. If necessary, a thorough debridement is carried out prior to the administration of normal prophylaxis.

Scaling and Root Planing

Patients suffering from gum disorders such as gingivitis or periodontitis are frequently recommended this more intrusive, non-surgical teeth cleaning method.

Your dentist will clean your gums, gum line, and any other tissues that support your teeth thoroughly. Because they need to smooth out the surface of your tooth root as well as remove any plaque and tartar that has formed on it, the cleaning may take several dental sessions to complete.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal care is usually required for patients who have common oral health issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis in order to keep these illnesses under control and prevent them from progressing.

These individuals often require many visits over a specific length of time or until all oral health concerns have been addressed in order for the dentist to thoroughly clean their whole mouth.

Is it time for a dental cleaning? Are you curious about what dental cleaning option is right for you? Contact our London offices for a consultation and to book your next appointment.