Hopefully, you know that maintaining your oral health requires you to diligently brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. It also requires you to attend your routine dental checkup and cleaning at least every six months. However, not everybody practices their dental hygiene with the same attentiveness, and every one’s oral health is unique. To accurately and efficiently clean your mouth, your dentist and/or dental hygienist can offer a professional dental cleaning specific to your needs. Lafayette dentist, Dr. Michael Young, explains the different kinds of dental cleanings and how each can benefit your oral health.
Different Dental Cleanings
Prophylaxis—This is a routine dental cleaning that is necessary at least every six months for continuing dental maintenance. Ideal patients for a prophylaxis have healthy mouths, possibly with localized area of gingivitis (mildest form of gum disease), but no signs of periodontal disease (severe form of gum disease).
Debridement—If you haven’t had your teeth cleaned in more than a year, or if there are heavy deposits of calculus (tartar) under your gum line, then you may require a debridement. The procedure thoroughly removes these deposits from your teeth and under your gum line before cleaning and polishing your tooth’s visible structure.
Root Planing and Scaling—For mild to moderate periodontal disease, a root planing and scaling procedure basically involves an advanced debridement coupled with cleaning and smoothing the tooth roots to prevent plaque and tartar from clinging to their surfaces. Also called a deep cleaning or periodontal cleaning, root planing and scaling is often accompanied by antibiotic treatment to help neutralize bacteria and fight gum the advancement of gum disease.
Keep Your Mouth Clean and Healthy in Lafayette
If you live in the 70508 area and would like to learn more about which dental cleaning is best for your smile, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Young, call our Lafayette dentist office at (337) 237-6453.
