Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis, sometimes called a cleaning, is performed to thoroughly remove soft and hard deposits, (plaque and calculus), from the teeth and gums.
Dental prophylaxis is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease.
The benefits of professional teeth cleaning include:
- Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
- A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
- Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) can be a sign of advancing periodontal disease. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
Professional dental cleaning and exam are recommended twice a year for patients with healthy, periodontal disease-free mouths as a preventive measure. For those patients who have been treated for periodontal disease, it is recommended that they be seen every 3 to 4 months for preventive periodontal care as per Dr. Blaustein and your hygienist. It should be noted that periodontal disease generally cannot be reversed or cured. With regular hygiene visits as prescribed by Dr. Blaustein and our hygiene team, it can effectively be controlled and the progression of periodontal disease slowed or halted.
