Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning procedure performed to thoroughly clean the teeth.  Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for halting the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Periodontal disease and gingivitis occur when bacteria from plaque colonize the gingival (gum) tissue – either above or below the gum line. These bacteria colonies cause serious inflammation and irritation which in turn produce a chronic inflammatory response in the body.

As a result, the body begins to systematically destroy gum and bone tissue, making the teeth shift, become unstable, or completely fall out.  The pockets between the gums and teeth become deeper and house more bacteria which may travel via the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body.

Reasons for prophylaxis/teeth cleaning

Prophylaxis is an excellent procedure to help keep the oral cavity in good health and also halt the progression of gum disease.

Here are some of the benefits of prophylaxis:

Tartar removal – Tartar (calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can cause serious periodontal problems if left untreated. Even using the best brushing and flossing homecare techniques, it can be impossible to remove debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets.  The experienced eye of a dentist using specialized dental equipment is needed in order to spot and treat problems such as tartar and plaque buildup.

Aesthetics – It’s hard to feel confident about a smile marred by yellowing, stained teeth. Prophylaxis can rid the teeth of unsightly stains and return the smile to its former glory.

Fresher breath – Periodontal disease is often signified by persistent bad breath (halitosis). Bad breath is generally caused by a combination of rotting food particles below the gum line, possible gangrene stemming from gum infection, and periodontal problems.  The removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria noticeably improves breath and alleviates irritation.

Identification of health issues – Many health problems first present themselves to the dentist. Since prophylaxis involves a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity, the dentist is able to screen for oral cancer, evaluate the risk of periodontitis, and often spot signs of medical problems like diabetes and kidney problems.  Recommendations can also be provided for altering the home care regimen.

What does prophylaxis treatment involve?

Prophylaxis can either be performed in the course of a regular dental visit or, if necessary, under a general anesthetic.  The latter is particularly common where severe periodontal disease is suspected or has been diagnosed by the dentist.  An endotracheal tube is sometimes placed in the throat to protect the lungs from harmful bacteria which will be removed from the mouth.

Prophylaxis is generally performed in several stages:

Supragingival cleaning – The dentist will thoroughly clean the area above the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and calculus.

Subgingival cleaning – This is the most important step for patients with periodontal disease because the dentist is able to remove calculus from the gum pockets and beneath the gum line.

Root planing – This is the smoothing of the tooth root by the dentist to eliminate any remaining bacteria.  These bacteria are extremely dangerous to periodontitis sufferers, so eliminating them is one of the top priorities of the dentist.

Medication – Following scaling and root planing, an antibiotic or antimicrobial cream is often placed in the gum pockets.  These creams promote fast and healthy healing in the pockets and help ease discomfort.

X-ray and examination – Routine X-rays can be extremely revealing when it comes to periodontal disease.  X-rays show the extent of bone and gum recession and also aid the dentist in identifying areas that may need future attention.

Prophylaxis is recommended twice annually as a preventative measure but should be performed every 3-4 months on periodontitis sufferers.  Though gum disease cannot be completely reversed, prophylaxis is one of the tools the dentist can use to effectively halt its destructive progress.

Ready to redefine your smile? Schedule your consultation now at Mina Family Dentistry, One of the best Thornhill Dental practices!

teeth cleaning

Prophylaxis also known as teeth cleaning is an essential aspect of dental care. It involves the cleaning of teeth to remove plaque tartar and stains that regular brushing might not remove. During a prophylaxis appointment, a dentist uses special tools to scrape away deposits and polish the teeth, ensuring they are smooth and clean.  This process enhances aesthetics and appearance and also plays a great role in preventing gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues.  By maintaining regular teeth cleaning visits, patients can reduce the risk of serious health problems.

supragingival cleaning

Supragingival cleaning is a vital part of dental prophylaxis, focusing on plaque removal. Unlike subgingival cleaning, which targets the lower part of the gum line, supragingival cleaning targets the upper visible part of teeth, this process involves using special tools such as polishers or scalers to carefully clean the tooth surface area, preventing the accumulation of bacteria that leads to cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health diseases. Regular supragingival cleaning keeps the health bright and plays a great role in overall hygiene.

subgingival cleaning

Subgingival cleaning focuses on cleaning plaque and bacteria from beneath the gum line. This process is essential for preventing periodontal disease, as it targets the areas where harmful bacteria can build up can cause inflammation. Unlike supragingival cleaning, which deals with visible parts of teeth, subgingival cleaning reaches beneath the gumline into the periodontal pockets, subgingival cleaning reduces the periodontal pockets promotes healthier gums, and prevents the progression of periodontal conditions.

tartar removal

Tartar removal is a fundamental part of dental prophylaxis, essential for maintaining oral health and aesthetics. Tartar known as calculus is a hard form of plaque that builds up over time, especially on areas that brushing and flossing might not cover and are usually missed.

Once tartar is formed it can be removed using professional tools, if left untreated it can lead to inflammation of gums, gingivitis, and more serious periodontal diseases. Tartar removal contributes to fresher breath and a more attractive smile.

FAQ

What is dental prophylaxis?

Dental prophylaxis is a cleaning procedure performed by a dentist to remove plaque and stains that regular brushing misses.

Why is prophylaxis important for my oral health?

Prophylaxis is crucial to prevent gum disease cavities or other dental issues.

How often should I have prophylaxis done?

It is recommended to have prophylaxis done twice a year, however, if you have periodontal disease your dentist may recommend you to do this procedure once every 3 to 4 months.

What does the prophylaxis procedure involve?

The prophylaxis procedure involves several stages of cleaning such as supragingival cleaning, subgingival cleaning, root planing, etc.

What are the benefits of tartar removal during prophylaxis?

Tartar removal is important because it prevents inflammation gingivitis and periodontal disease. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that cannot be removed by regular brushing. Professional tools are needed to remove tartar from teeth.