How long has it been since you last visited your dentist? It’s likely that you need a teeth cleaning if it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning. Urban Smiles Dental offers quality dental services, such as routine and deep teeth cleaning, to keep teeth and gums healthy. Learn more about our highly rated services by calling 773-819-7724 or contacting us online.
It is important to distinguish between routine dental cleaning (prophylaxis) and deep dental cleaning (scaling and root planing). There are significant differences between these two common teeth-cleaning treatments:
Purpose
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, adults should see their dentist for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE) once per year. Nevertheless, we understand that this isn’t always possible. If you visit the dentist every six months or every few years, he will take a moment to assess your gum health in order to determine what kind of teeth cleaning you will need:
Dental cleanings help maintain healthy gums. Keeping your teeth clean every six months, brushing, and flossing are generally recommended to keep bacteria at bay and gum disease at bay.
However, deep teeth cleaning is necessary when bacteria and tartar have accumulated significantly. During the course of time, periodontal pockets can form and fill with bacteria and tartar. In the absence of scaling and root planing, a range of oral health complications, including periodontal disease and tooth loss, can occur.
Process
During both types of teeth cleaning, your dental team member will discuss your dental history, medical history, and gum health. Your dentist will then measure the depth of your gum sockets and record the measurements on your periodontal chart. Your dentist will recommend either type of teeth cleaning based on an analysis of your gums.
In prophylaxis, your dental hygienist gently removes bacteria and tartar from the teeth’s surface and between them.
In contrast, when scaling and root planning is performed, your dental team member will:
- Scale: Scrub the teeth manually with an ultrasonic device to remove plaque and tartar
- Polish: Polish the dental surface with gritty toothpaste and an air polisher
- Floss: Clean between the teeth by penetrating them
- Fluoride Treatment: Remineralize the enamel
What type of teeth cleaning do I need?
Based on your gum health, your Chicago dentist will determine which teeth cleaning method is most effective. During your dental exam, your dentist will measure the distance between your teeth and gums:
- In the case of shallow gum pockets, routine dental cleanings are likely to be recommended by your dentist.
- If your gum pockets are deep, your dentist will need to perform deep teeth cleaning instead of routine cleaning.
Ask Our Urban Smiles Dental Team About Our Various Teeth Cleaning Methods
Without the assistance of a skilled dental professional, it can be difficult to determine the type of teeth cleaning you need. No matter if you need routine dental cleanings or scaling and root planing, a dentist from our team can assess your oral health and make an appropriate recommendation for you. Learn more about teeth cleaning in Chicago by contacting Urban Smiles Dental. You can reach us by phone at 773-819-7724 or message us online.
Related Services: Teeth Cleanings & Exams