Exam & X-rays $75 | Invisalign Express starting at $999
Exam & X-rays $75 | Invisalign Express starting at $999
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A dental prophy, short for prophylaxis, refers to a professional dental procedure aimed at maintaining oral health and preventing the onset or progression of dental issues. It involves the thorough cleaning of teeth and gums by a dental hygienist or dentist. During a dental prophy, plaque, tartar, and stains that have accumulated on the teeth are carefully removed through scaling and polishing.
Scaling involves the use of specialized dental instruments to gently remove plaque and calculus (hardened plaque, also known as tartar) from the surfaces of teeth, particularly around the gumline and between teeth. This process helps eliminate the bacteria and debris that contribute to gum disease and cavities.
Following scaling, the teeth are polished using a gritty toothpaste and a rotating rubber cup or brush. This polishes the tooth surfaces and removes surface stains, leaving the teeth looking smoother and brighter.
Dental prophylaxis is a routine preventive procedure that helps maintain good oral hygiene, reduce the risk of gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, and contribute to overall oral health. It is typically recommended to be performed every six months, but the frequency can vary based on an individual's oral health needs and the dentist's recommendations.
A deep cleaning, also known as periodontal scaling and root planing, is an advanced dental procedure aimed at treating gum disease (periodontal disease) by addressing the buildup of plaque and tartar below the gumline. Unlike a regular dental cleaning, which focuses on the surfaces of teeth, a deep cleaning targets the area beneath the gums where harmful bacteria can accumulate and cause inflammation.
During a deep cleaning:
A deep cleaning is typically performed over multiple appointments, focusing on different sections of the mouth in each session. Local anesthesia may be administered to ensure patient comfort, as the procedure involves working below the gumline, where sensitivity can be higher.
Deep cleanings are recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with gum disease, particularly if the condition has progressed beyond the early stages. By effectively removing bacteria and promoting gum healing, a deep cleaning can help prevent further gum tissue damage, bone loss, and tooth mobility that can result from untreated gum disease.
After a deep cleaning, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine and attending regular dental checkups are crucial to prevent the recurrence of gum disease and maintain optimal oral health.
The main differences between a regular cleaning (dental prophylaxis) and a deep cleaning (periodontal scaling and root planing) lie in their scope, purpose, and the extent of treatment they provide:
In summary, while both regular cleanings and deep cleanings involve the removal of plaque and tartar, their primary purposes and target areas differ significantly. A regular cleaning focuses on maintaining overall oral health, while a deep cleaning is a specialized procedure aimed at treating gum disease by addressing the deeper pockets of bacteria and inflammation beneath the gumline.
If a dental provider diagnoses the need for a deep cleaning (periodontal scaling and root planing), a regular cleaning (dental prophylaxis) may not be appropriate at that time. This is because a deep cleaning is recommended when there is evidence of gum disease (periodontal disease), which involves inflammation and bacterial buildup below the gumline.
Here's why a regular cleaning might not be suitable in the presence of gum disease:
If your dental provider diagnoses the need for a deep cleaning, it's important to follow their recommendations. They will assess the condition of your gums and teeth to determine the appropriate treatment. Once the deep cleaning is completed and your gum health improves, regular cleanings may be recommended to help maintain the health of your teeth and gums moving forward.
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6255 South Durango Drive Suite 108, Las Vegas, Nevada 89113, United States
Mon | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
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Fri | 08:00 am – 03:00 pm | |
Sat | By Appointment | |
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