Importance of Regular Teeth Cleaning for Oral Health

A professional dental procedure, known as teeth cleaning Louisville KY or prophylaxis, removes stubborn plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth to prevent gum disease and cavities. This procedure, typically performed by a dentist or hygienist every 6–12 months, involves scaling to remove plaque buildup and polishing to smooth the teeth.

Methods of Teeth Cleaning

Prophylaxis Cleaning

A prophylaxis cleaning is a teeth cleaning Louisville KY procedure typically used on individuals with a healthy mouth. A prophylaxis cleaning is intended to perform routine maintenance tasks, including the removal of a predicted amount of tartar and plaque from the surfaces of teeth, gums, and the areas between teeth.

For individuals who visit the dentist on a regular basis and maintain good oral hygiene practices, a prophylaxis cleaning is typically the recommended teeth cleaning Louisville KY method. Those who undergo a prophylaxis teeth cleaning typically have a healthy mouth to begin with, but it can help individuals remove unwanted plaque and minor stains from the surface of their teeth.

Deep Cleaning of the Teeth and Roots.

A slightly more invasive teeth cleaning Louisville KY procedure, scaling and root planing involves a deep cleaning of the gums, gum line, and other supporting structures of the teeth.

Scaling and root planing is commonly advised for people who have gum disease, including gingivitis or periodontitis. Scaling and root planing, which involves smoothing the tooth root surface and removing tartar and plaque, may require multiple dental visits to complete.

Gross Debridement

If someone hasn't been to the dentist in a few years, a significant amount of plaque is likely to have accumulated on their gums, teeth, and between their teeth. A deep cleaning, known as a gross debridement, which involves a thorough removal of tartar and plaque from all areas of the mouth, is frequently used for individuals who have not seen a dentist in a while.

Not everyone who hasn't visited the dentist in a while gets a gross debridement. The dentist's first step is to conduct an oral examination. Following the oral examination, the dentist determines whether a routine prophylaxis, or teeth cleaning Louisville KY, is sufficient or if a gross debridement is required prior to the prophylaxis cleaning.