Introduction
Maintaining a healthy smile is not just about brushing and flossing at home; it requires smart and regular professional care to achieve ultimate results.
In this guide, we take a closer look at how experts at Cope Dentistry help you undergo professional dental cleaning.
So continue reading as we address the most common questions that may arise when you learn about dental cleaning, including what the procedure entails, what happens during an appointment, why it is important, how often it is needed, and more.
Let’s get started.
What is Professional Dental Cleaning?
We can define it as a clinical procedure performed by our dental professionals to remove any buildup on your teeth, such as plaque or tartar, which is hardened plaque.
It can also be done to remove surface stains from your teeth and along the gumline. However, it’s essential to note that professional dental cleanings aren’t all the same. The type of cleaning you need depends on your oral health condition, especially based on the state of your gums and the amount of tartar buildup.
The dentist in Prairie Village will select from various types of cleaning to maintain or restore your gum and tooth health.
Types of Dental Cleaning
Prophylaxis
Prophylaxis means “prevent treatment”. This is the standard cleaning process that most of our patients undergo during regular visits, typically every six months. The purpose of this treatment is to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and tartar buildup in people with healthy gums.
We typically recommend this to individuals who maintain good oral hygiene and have healthy gums.
Scaling and Root Planing
This procedure is also referred to as periodontal cleaning or deep cleaning, and it extends beyond the gumline to treat gingivitis and periodontitis. The primary purpose of this cleanup is to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar that accumulate below the gumline, which can lead to inflammation and bone loss around the teeth.
Gross Debridement Cleaning
It is the preliminary cleaning that is used when you have excessive plaque and tartar buildup. It is used to remove the thick layers of hardened deposits that have accumulated over time on your teeth, making it difficult to examine your teeth and gums properly.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning
Like the name suggests, it is usually a part of the treatment process for patients who have been treated for gum disease and are continuing the treatment. The main purpose of this cleaning is to maintain your gum health and prevent the recurrence of periodontal infection or bone loss.
Need for Professional Cleaning: Why it matters
Oral disease affects a huge number of people all across the world. The recent studies have shown that billions of people are suffering from some form of oral disease, ranging from cavities to severe periodontal disease. Severe periodontal disease affects around 1 billion people, and untreated dental caries affects around 2.5 billion people.
In the US, data show that about 42% of adults aged 30 and older have some level of periodontitis, be it mild, moderate, or severe, in national surveys. Regular dental Cleaning in Prairie Village helps catch problems early and slows down the progression of the disease.
When Do You Need a Professional Dental Cleaning?
Here we are stating the symptoms which are direct indications of the need for a professional dental cleaning. If you spot any of them, reach out to our clinic as soon as possible.
Pointers indicating you need a professional cleaning:
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
- You notice persistent bad breath or bad taste that does not go away with brushing
- You have visible plaque build-up, brown or gray stains on your teeth, or tartar deposits.
- You are experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain around your gumline.
Besides, you must also book an appointment with our experienced dental professional for cleaning if you are due for a routine checkup or have a history of cavities, gum disease, smoking, or diabetes.
At Cope Dentistry, our experienced dental professional team will evaluate your medical and oral health history and recommend cleaning intervals based on your risk.
Procedure of Professional Dental Cleaning
Our dental professionals have years of experience and an advanced skill set. They perform each step in an active, patient-centered way. In this segment, we will briefly discuss the procedure.
Step 1: Medical and Oral Health History Update
Our dentist will assess your medical condition, if you have any, and confirm medications and any recent symptoms that might interfere with the dental care procedure.
Step 2: Oral Exam
Once they have recorded your medical history, it’s time for a thorough inspection. They will check for bleeding, measure pocket depths where needed, and look for signs of decay or oral lesions that might be present.
Step 3: Scaling
This step involves removing plaque or tartar from the enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth. At our clinic, we utilize advanced technology, including an ultrasonic scaler, to loosen the tartar, followed by precise hand instruments to remove stubborn deposits. You may feel vibrations and a splash of water, but scaling is usually well-tolerated. For patients with sensitive teeth, we use techniques to minimize discomfort.
Step 4: Polishing
After the scaling is done, your dentist will polish your teeth with a rotating cup and a gentle paste to smooth stains and reduce plaque retention. If you have sensitive teeth, our techniques will minimize your discomfort.
Step 5: Interdental cleaning and flossing
The next step involves cleaning in between the teeth and removing the debris. They might recommend an interdental brush or water flossers if appropriate.
Step 6: Fluoride or topical treatments
If you are someone who faces a higher risk of cavities, your dentist will apply a fluoride varnish or suggest desensitizing agents.
Step 7: Personalized oral hygiene coaching
Proper aftercare is essential to maintain the results long term. Your dentist will demonstrate targeted brushing and flossing techniques, recommend the appropriate toothpaste or toothbrush, and establish a schedule for your next visits.
Step 8: Follow-up plan
If your dentist finds signs of advanced gum disease, they will outline the next steps, which are often scaling and root planing, along with closer monitoring.
Why Choose Us?
At Cope Dentistry, our experienced dental professionals will help identify and address complex oral health issues early on, starting with the cleaning process and proceeding with treatment.
Not everyone faces the same problem, so we tailor your treatment plan at our clinic and schedule your recall intervals accordingly. Besides, our professionals use advanced and modern ultrasonic tools and gentle techniques to treat hypersensitivity and make the process painless and safe.
Takeaway
- Regular professional cleanings are not just for achieving a bright smile; they are a cornerstone for your good oral health and overall health.
- Professional dental cleaning will remove plaque and tartar buildup, which prevents the production of acid by these bacteria that erodes your enamel.
- Ready to clean your teeth effectively? Contact Cope Dentistry, we’re ready for you. Book a call today!
