Types of Dental Cleanings and Why You Need Them

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types of dental cleanings and why you need them

The simple truth is that not every dental cleaning is the same, and while a routine cleaning session with your dentist can be advantageous, you still have to understand the difference between the types of dental cleanings to know which one best suits you.

When it comes to teeth cleaning, there are three major types, gross debridement, scaling and root planing, and prophylaxis cleaning.

Gross debridement

Gross debridement is the name of a teeth cleaning procedure that a dentist performs to ensure that there aren’t any unnoticed teeth problems. The procedure is generally practiced on patients that haven’t been to the dentist in over a year or individuals that have developed hardened plaque on their teeth surfaces.

Generally, a gross debridement is performed by your dental team to thoroughly eradicate any and all plaque build-up present on the gums and teeth. Considering that a gross debridement is a procedure that doesn’t take long, it can be performed on teeth that have been damaged as a result of excessive plaque build-up.

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is generally performed on patients that are deemed at high risk of getting gum disease or those that already have gum disease. If plaque build-up is excessive over a period of time and isn’t cleaned off, then it can harden and transform into calculus or tartar which can potentially cause gum disease as well as other grave oral health issues

Scaling and root planing is necessary to remove the hardened plaque. Patients with loose teeth, swollen gums, or bleeding gums, which are signs of gum disease, are the perfect candidates for scaling and root planing.

Prophylaxis cleaning

Prophylaxis cleaning is known by another name, routine cleaning, which means it is typically carried out on healthy patients that require regular oral maintenance to boost their oral health. When your dentist in Florissant, MO, performs the procedure, he removes plaque from the teeth, going even deeper to remove hardened plaque known as calculus, as well as any other stains that might be on the surfaces of the teeth.

Since it is a routine procedure, it is not practiced on teeth that have been severely damaged, and it can be a great way to maintain healthy teeth when combined with regular oral hygiene practices. The dentist can perform prophylaxis cleaning every 6 months to make sure plaque doesn’t begin to build while also cleaning off any already-developed hardened plaque.

What is the difference between cleaning and deep cleaning teeth?

Cleaning

When it comes to routine cleaning, it can be something as simple as flossing or brushing. However, your dentist might scale and polish your teeth as well. Additionally, cleaning is meant for every person as it helps prevent periodontal disease, and it takes just about an hour.

Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning, on the other hand, can involve root planing. Generally, this is done after an extensive scaling procedure that enables your gums to adhere to their roots. Deep cleaning is suited for those that are already suffering from periodontal disease. It can take a couple of hours for the procedure to be over, depending on just how much tartar build-up is present.

What is the best teeth cleaning method?

When it comes to cleaning your teeth, there are perhaps 6 methods that have been proven to help you do so. Oral hygiene is a pertinent factor when you consider the health of your body, teeth, and mouth. Not only does it help you avoid gum disease and tooth decay, but it also has the potential to play an integral role in stopping other diseases as well. 

When you clean your teeth, they become brighter and healthier, and they function much better. That is why you have to understand how best to clean them.

The top 6 best teeth cleaning methods are:

  • Toothbrushes
  • Dental floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Oral irrigators
  • Sugar-free gum
  • Toothpicks

Can teeth fall out after deep cleaning?

Since deep cleaning is done not only to eradicate heavy tartar and plaque build-up but also to improve the overall health of your teeth and gums, your teeth are unlikely to fall out after deep cleaning. Nevertheless, you should be aware that there are potential complications associated with deep cleaning. They include receding gums, tooth sensitivity, infection, tooth pain, and nerve damage. Speak with the best dentist in Florissant, MO, to learn about your options.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are varying types of teeth cleaning, which help to ensure that your teeth and general oral health are above board. You should note that there is no best teeth cleaning type as the processes offer something different and treat different symptoms and issues. Nevertheless, if you need a dental cleaning in Florissant, MO, you might want to get more information from our experienced dental office.

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