Procedure
Teeth Cleaning – Forest Hills
How important are teeth cleaning appointments?
Our knowledgeable hygienists provide thorough, gentle cleanings while maintaining patient comfort. We will thoroughly clean your teeth, remove plaque, calculus, and stains from teeth. Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis) is an important treatment for preventing the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis.
These cleanings are intended to control local irritating factors and are performed on children or healthy adults without periodontal disease. A professional teeth cleaning includes polishing to remove stains and plaque, ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar, hand scaling, and flossing.
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: prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, and gross debridement.
As we age, our teeth and gums change. Difficulty brushing or flossing properly can affect oral health and confidence. Injuries or reduced mobility can also make home care more difficult. Your hygienist will guide you through proper brushing and flossing techniques so you can effectively care for your teeth at home.
Prophylaxis (Preventative) Cleaning – What is it?
Preventative cleanings include removal of plaque and calculus above the gumline and oral hygiene instruction on proper brushing and flossing techniques. These cleanings are designed for patients without active periodontal disease.
Periodontal Maintenance cleanings are performed after scaling and root planing therapy. During these visits, plaque and calculus are removed from above and below the gumline. Maintenance intervals are determined by clinical evaluation with your dentist and hygienist.
Scaling and Root Planing – What is it?
Periodontal disease can progress without symptoms. Nearly 70% of the population has some form of gum disease. Bacteria from plaque can colonize gum tissue above or below the gumline, leading to inflammation and chronic infection.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes hardened plaque and calculus from root surfaces, allowing gums to heal and reattach properly. This treatment helps restore stability and prevent tooth loss.
Gross Debridement – What is it?
Gross debridement is recommended for patients who have not seen a dentist in over a year and have heavy plaque and tartar buildup. This procedure removes hardened deposits that cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing.
Removing this buildup allows the dentist to properly evaluate the teeth and gums, identify decay or cavities, and determine the best course of treatment. Without this cleaning, gum disease and tooth loss may occur.
What happens if I don’t get regular teeth cleanings?
Without regular cleanings, gum and bone tissue may deteriorate, causing teeth to shift, loosen, or fall out. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect overall health. Early prevention and treatment are essential to maintaining oral health.
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is a non-surgical treatment performed by licensed hygienists to address periodontal disease. Local anesthetic is typically used, and ongoing periodontal maintenance is required afterward.
How often should I have a teeth cleaning?
Dental cleanings and checkups every six months allow your dental team to identify small problems before they become serious. Changes from dental work, implants, or prosthetics may require adjustments to your oral hygiene routine over time.
What if I haven’t been to the dentist in a while?
Schedule an appointment with our dental hygienist and discuss any concerns you have. Regular visits every six months help maintain optimal dental health and allow us to monitor developing issues early.
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