Call

Is There More Than One Type of Dental Cleaning?

Posted on 2/10/2020 by Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS

Dental cleanings are an important part of keeping your teeth healthy and happy. While regular brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque buildup on the surfaces of your teeth, regular cleanings are necessary to knock loose plaque from tight areas.

You may have been to many dental cleanings in your life, but did you know there are 3 different kinds?

Types Of Cleaning Procedures

The dental cleaning you're probably most familiar with is called prophylaxis. This is just the dental term for a regular teeth cleaning. Dentists perform regular dental cleanings on healthy mouths. That means a mouth that is free of gum disease and infection. The primary purpose of performing a regular dental cleaning is to maintain a healthy smile and prevent gum disease. Regular teeth cleanings also help to remove minor surface stains on the teeth.

The next type of cleaning is known as periodontal scaling and root planing. Compared to a regular teeth cleaning, a periodontal scaling is meant to clean teeth that have a lot of hardened plaque. During this process, a dentist will more abrasive equipment to deal with the plaque buildup. Typically, people who need this type of cleaning suffer from minor gum bleeding on a regular basis. They may also have red or swollen gums or gum recession.

The final type of dental cleaning is called debridement. Dentists use debridement in extreme cases of plaque buildup on the teeth. Unlike the other two cleaning methods, the goal of debridement is to get your teeth into a state where they can be cleaned. People who have gone without maintaining proper oral hygiene may need debridement and then a final teeth cleaning afterwards.

Keeping your teeth healthy is an important part of not only your oral health, but also your physical health. Plaque buildup has been linked to many different illnesses and disease. Regular teeth cleaning will help prevent these ailments, so we urge you to call our office and schedule an appointment. We would be happy to help!

What Our Patients Are Saying About Us Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS logo icon

Exceptionally Friendly!!

"You are put at ease the minute you walk into their new office on Broad Rd. Beautiful and calming surroundings. The staff couldn't be more helpful and are extremely friendly. Dr. Pliszczak is exactly what you want in a Dentist. Always concerned with your comfort, I never feel rushed, and I enjoy here friendly manner. And because of all of their meticulously thorough work, My teeth are as healthy as can be!!! Thank you Dr. Pliszczak, Jade and Nancy" ~Roamy F.