More Than You Realize!
Dental cleaning is a vital part of maintaining good health in general, as evidence suggests certain diseases affecting other parts of the body, can sometimes start in the mouth. We aim to ensure your brushing and flossing regimen at home is easy to maintain, and that your six monthly checkup and deep clean identifies any areas being missed in your daily routine.
Cleaning provided in-house with a hygienist, delivers a full dental, gum and oral exam, including tongue and mouth tissue. The hygienist will assess you for any early signs of gum disease, and ensure that all of your teeth are set securely in place. Our goal is to pinpoint and eradicate issues before they have a chance to develop into a cause for concern.
What are the different types of teeth cleaning?
Different patients require different types of cleaning. The dentist and hygienist will recommend the cleaning treatment that’s right for your teeth. Tooth cleaning procedures carried out at the dental office fall into three categories; (i) prophylaxis; (ii) scaling and root planing; (iii) gross debridement.
It’s helpful to understand the needs for alternate cleaning methods at different times in a patient’s dental life. As we age, our teeth and gums move and change. At some moments, greater attention is required to ensure our oral health is supporting our general health in every way possible. Difficulty brushing or flossing, using the correct technique can lead to diminished confidence in our breath being fresh, and teeth being really clean. Sometimes an unexpected injury, such as a sprained wrist, can lead to decreased mobility and difficulty carrying out this previously simple task. Your hygienist will guide you through cleaning and flossing, and ensure you can replicate the practice at home, to make sure you are reaching every part of the mouth.
Prophylaxis (Preventative) Cleaning – What is it?
On most occasions you visit the hygienist for your regular six monthly cleaning, it’s likely that this is the treatment you will receive. Patients with good dental health, who are not undergoing a treatment plan, will receive an overall check of the health and hygiene of the mouth every six months, and a thorough clean, especially in any hard to reach areas. Your hygienist will ensure the gum line is free of tartar, and polish teeth to shine, brighten, and lift away any staining or discoloration. The hygienist will pay particular attention to the stability of the teeth’s roots in the gum, and ensure there are no signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, or indication of other anomaly.
Scaling and Root Planing – What is it?
Sometimes, if a particular tooth or area is being missed during your routine clean at home, and plaque has settled, tartar build-up can occur. If left untreated, this can lead to calculus, and the possibility of developing gum disease. Intensive cleaning removes the build-up of these hardened areas, to clear and clean the tooth and gum, fully exposing the gum line, to promote a healthy relationship between the teeth and their foundations.
Patients who have received a diagnosis of periodontitis, or are displaying signs that they may be susceptible to developing gum disease, are often administered deep cleaning in the form of scaling and root planing. Symptoms pointing to gum disorders include swollen or bleeding gums and loose teeth, though teeth can quickly recover after receiving the appropriate procedure to restore the roots’ integrity, holding their place in the gums securely.
Gross debridement
A gross debridement enables the dentist to identify any underlying issues, masked by plaque and tartar that has developed and become settled over time. For patients who have not seen a dentist in over a year, if there is a recurrence of debris becoming trapped frequently, buildup can occur, leading to hardened plaque and calculus. Once this is established, removal by normal brushing and flossing at home is not possible.
The gross debridement procedure removes hardened plaque and dislodges calculus on the teeth and gum line, revitalizing the gum and stimulating its ability to provide strength and support for the teeth. This treatment allows the dentist to reveal any decay, which may have occurred as a result of the residual tartar, assessing any potential for cavities in the underlying tooth. Failure to undertake this cleaning once the health and structure of the teeth and gums have become compromised, can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
How often should I have a teeth cleaning?
Maintaining optimal dental health and cleanliness can sometimes pose a challenge; getting used to a new dental prosthesis or implant, can make the layout of the mouth feel a little different. Our brushing, flossing and oral cleaning products need revising and developing over time, as the lifetime of our teeth progresses. Appointments for checkups and dental cleaning every six months, enables the team to identify and eliminate little problems before they have a chance to turn into big ones.
What should I do if I have not been to the dentist for a while for a teeth cleaning?
Make an appointment to see our dental hygienist. Discuss any concerns that you have keeping your teeth clean. In the future try and see the dental hygienist every 6 months in order to maintain optimal dental health and allows us to keep an eye on any developing problems.
Need a teeth cleaning? Call our office today on 718-544-5055 for an appointment.
