Having your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist is one of the few dental procedures that people look forward to. Routine dental cleanings are a critical component of maintaining a healthy mouth and strong, durable teeth. During these cleanings, the hygienist uses special tools to remove sticky plaque and hard tartar deposits from tooth surfaces above the gums. This type of cleaning is what is done in a periodontist's office, where hygienists have special training, specialized instruments and a lot of experience cleaning deep pockets.
A routine dental cleaning will remove existing tartar and plaque, as well as any stains that may exist on the teeth. The carpenter will use special dental tools to clean the plaque and tartar between the teeth and gums. Keeping your teeth free of tartar and plaque that can damage them is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health. When teeth are clean, they are much less susceptible to damage.
Are you wondering if your dental cleaning is classified as periodontal cleaning or regular cleaning? It depends on the overall health of your teeth and gums. You'll only need regular dental cleaning for six months and an oral exam to clean your teeth and make sure your mouth is healthy. To begin with, a dental hygienist will scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth and perform a basic oral exam. Then, your teeth will be cleaned and polished with gritty toothpaste and flossed.
X-rays may be taken and then Dr. Carpenter will examine your mouth for signs of common oral health problems, such as gingivitis, tooth decay, or teeth grinding. Then, they'll discuss the results with you and any follow-up appointments you may need. Routine dental cleanings are standard cleanings for people who don't have a history of periodontal disease (also known as “gum disease”). In the dental office, we call them “prophets,” short for “prophylaxis.” The word “prophylaxis” means the prevention of a disease.
In dentistry, these regular cleanings aim to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. Bell Harbor Dental is a family-owned, patient-first dental office in the heart of downtown Seattle. They understand that regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. Not only do they help prevent gum disease, but they also help keep your smile looking its best.