Dental Cleanings and Exams
Regardless of technique or how frequently you brush, dental plaque and calculus (tarter) build up on your teeth; especially by your gums. Dr. Jake Tall can manage this hard to clean dental plaque and calculus using specialized curettes and ultrasonic instruments. During your dental cleaning appointment, a thorough exam will be completed to detect any needed treatment to maintain superior oral health. Schedule your dental cleaning and exam today to maintain a healthy and esthetic smile. Contact us
Video: Dental cleaning (prophy) vs a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
There are different types of dental cleanings. The type of cleaning you need will be determined after an evaluation of your gingiva (gums) and bone. The amount of plaque build up, the color/condition of the gingiva (gums), and the depth of the pocket between your tooth and gums are three factors that help determine the type of cleaning you need.
Routine dental cleaning (prophy): During a routine cleaning, the plaque build up that can’t be removed with a toothbrush is removed with hand instruments called curettes; in some situations an ultrasonic instrument will be used for tenacious plaque and tarter (calculus) build up. Additional plaque will be removed and the tooth surface will be polished with a rubber cone and abrasive paste. Tooth brushing and flossing techniques, as well as any additional educational information, will be presented to each patient to ensure optimal oral health. A routine dental cleaning is typically performed every 6 months, unless a more frequent cleaning schedule is recommended. This type of cleaning is done if there is minimal plaque build up, a healthy or mildly diseased appearance of gums, and shallow depths between the tooth and gums.
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing): A deep cleaning is used when there are signs of periodontal disease. During a deep cleaning, the plaque build up above and below the gum surface that cant be removed with a toothbrush is removed with an ultrasonic instrument and metal curettes. Additional plaque is removed and the tooth surface is polished with a rubber cone and abrasive paste. Tooth brushing and flossing techniques, as well as any additional educational information, is presented to each patient to ensure optimal oral health. A two week follow-up appointment will be needed to evaluate the health of your gums. After a deep cleaning is performed, you will either be on a 3 month or 4 month follow up schedule for periodontal maintenance appointments until signs of periodontal disease diminish.
Questions? Contact us