Did you know that there are different types of dental cleanings? While you and even your dentist may refer to it as just a dental cleaning, there are specific names for different types of cleaning. Knowing these types and what they entail is important so you know what kind of dental services you are getting. If you are unsure, your dentist can easily explain to you about the dental services you are receiving.
Prophylaxis Cleaning
Prophylaxis is defined as an action taken to prevent disease, especially by specified means or against a specified disease. A prophylaxis cleaning is what is also referred to as just a normal dental cleaning. This is the recommended biannual cleaning to have for everyone because, as the definition suggests, this cleaning is to help prevent any diseases and infections in your mouth.
This dental cleaning is basically like routine maintenance. Even patients with good oral health should get their routine dental cleanings to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. A dental hygienist works to remove plaque from your teeth, as well as tartar. Additionally, any stains on your teeth may be removed as well.
Scaling And Root Planing
A scaling and root planing (SRP) is also known as a deep dental cleaning. This kind of dental cleaning takes a routine cleaning (prophylaxis cleaning) a little deeper. A routine dental cleaning generally involves cleaning the teeth above the gum line, whereas a deep clean is the removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gum line from periodontal pockets.
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, then the likelihood of needing a deep clean is drastically increased. Even if you are brushing your teeth and flossing like you should be, it’s difficult to clean the entire surface of your teeth without professional dental care. Bacteria that isn’t removed from brushing and flossing can find its way below your gum line and into periodontal pockets. This bacteria can then infect your gums, leading to gingivitis and then gum disease.
A deep clean utilizes special dental tools to clean beneath your gum line. This cleaning usually involves a topical numbing agent or one that is injected. It can be rather uncomfortable to feel these tools getting beneath your gum line to clean. Luckily, advancements in technology have allowed dentists to reduce the pain and discomfort.
Gross Debridement
A gross debridement is a dental cleaning designed to locate and determine any additional teeth issues initially missed prior to a dental cleaning. These cleanings are typically done on patients that have not been to the dentist in a long time. A debridement is a thorough cleaning to remove all plaque buildup, almost like a clean slate to start from for improving your oral health.
Depending on the level of plaque and tartar buildup, your dentist may also include a deep dental cleaning. Damaged teeth may increase the length of your debridement cleaning, but typically won’t increase by much.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning
This type of dental cleaning is usually reserved for dental patients that have gum disease. A periodontal maintenance cleaning is designed to target and treat gum disease. Like other cleanings, a lot of the focus is on removing plaque and tartar buildup as well as cleaning the periodontal pockets. This type of maintenance cleaning may also involve smoothing out the roots, if needed.
The main difference with periodontal maintenance cleanings is that they are typically performed more often than other dental cleanings. Where a prophylaxis cleaning is a routine cleaning, periodontal cleanings are done to treat and prevent further gum disease. The frequency of these cleanings may depend on the severity of your gum disease.
Professional Dental Cleaning In Keller, Texas
Whether you need routine dental cleaning, a deeper clean, or periodontal maintenance, Pickett Family Dental provides the best dental care in the Keller, Texas and surrounding area. Our office is designed with your comfort in mind, and we accept many payment methods to ensure everyone has access to dental care. Whether you are a returning patient or a new one, easily schedule your next appointment right here on our website.
