DENTAL CLEANINGS

The amount of calculus (also called hardened plaque/tarter), will determine if you need just a regular cleaning (prophy) or if there is need for a full mouth debridement. The accumulation of calculus will be thicker on your teeth the longer amount of time it has been since your last cleaning. Example: A patient that has had their teeth cleaned 6 months ago will have a light amount vs. a patient that has not had a cleaning in 5 years.

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include the following:

• Removal of supragingival calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments
• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Removal of light calculus, plaque and stain in one visit for a patient with a healthy mouth

Removal of heavy calculus, plaque and stain in the presence of gingivitis and/or periodontal disease.

Removal of calculus, plaque and stain from above and below the gumline. Patient with periodontal disease need deeper cleaning at closer intervals of 3 or 4 months with careful monitoring of pocketing.

This process is for patients with deeper periodontal pockets under the gumline, which is sometimes referred to as deep cleaning. Find out more information about Scaling & Root Planning (SPR).