Did you know there are different variations of teeth cleaning in Naples, FL? The type of cleaning ideal for you depends on the condition of your mouth. It’s important to know the difference between each type so you can learn and understand the usefulness of these procedures.

The main teeth cleaning routes are prophylaxis, scaling, root planing, periodontal maintenance and gross debridement. Although they all share the same goal, which is to clean your teeth, their purposes and methods differ.

The Different Types of Teeth Cleaning Procedures

Prophylaxis Cleaning

The purpose of prophylaxis, or routine dental cleaning, is to keep your teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque and tartar accumulation before they can wreak havoc in your mouth. In most cases, this is performed by a dental hygienist.

The procedure involves removing all traces of plaque and hardened tartar as well as stains on your teeth’s surface. It’s the procedure of choice for people who already have healthy teeth. The American Dental Association recommends prophylaxis cleaning once every six months.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is recommended for patients with gum disease or those who are at high risk of developing periodontal disease.

When plaque is allowed to build up, it eventually turns into hardened calculus or tartar. Over time, tartar will reach the areas below the gum line, irritating your sensitive gum tissues and causing inflammation and infection. This is also known as periodontal disease and can destroy the bone supporting and surrounding the teeth, which can cause halitosis and tooth loss.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal Maintenance cleanings are the cleanings you receive after scaling and root planing. These are scheduled closer together than a routine dental cleaning due to the biofilm formation and subsequent possible further bone destruction. These cleanings are meant to help stabilize the periodontal condition after getting pocket depths under control, either after scaling and root planing with a general dentist, or sometimes after seeing a periodontist and having periodontal surgery.

Gross Debridement

A gross debridement procedure is performed if you have not had your teeth cleaned for more than a year. This can result in plaque and tartar buildup that has already covered most of the surfaces of your teeth. It is recommended for patients with large amounts of plaque buildup. This is performed for a few reasons. 1) sometimes the teeth cannot be seen underneath the build-up and so cavities cannot accurately be seen 2) the gums cannot be accurately assessed with all of the build-ups in the way 3) there is not enough time to remove this large amount of tarter build up on top of the teeth and also clean under the gums at the same time. Generally, after a gross debridement, we decide if a patient needs scaling and root planing or a prophylaxis cleaning.

Schedule a Teeth Cleaning in Naples, FL

A consultation with our talented team can help determine which cleaning procedure you need. At Gulfside Dental, we offer affordable preventive and restorative dental treatments to maintain and boost oral health. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment.