Prophylaxis Cleaning

Name: Dental Oasis Family Dentistry
Address: 1488 Cedarwood Ln Ste d, Pleasanton CA, CA, 94566-6125, USA
Telephone: 925 846 4491
Price range: $$$

A dental prophylaxis cleaning is a regular cleaning procedure that is performed to clean your teeth thoroughly. It goes a long way in ensuring that periodontal disease, as well as gingivitis, is kept at bay. In fact, many dental problems can go unnoticed in the initial stages. A prophylaxis appointment will also ensure that problems are diagnosed early. Essentially, prophylaxis cleaning then is a preventive procedure that derives its name from a Greek word that means to protect or guard against.

Periodontal disease as well as Gingivitis is known to occur when plaque starts to accumulate and in turn the bacteria from plaque colonize on the gum tissue. The bacteria can result in severe inflammation as also destroy the gum & bone tissue. When pockets between the gums & the teeth become deeper the bacteria may even travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. With a regular prophylaxis cleaning you can ensure that your teeth do not reach that stage.

Types of Prophylaxis Dental Cleaning

There are actually several types of teeth cleaning including:

Prophylaxis cleaning
This helps perform routine maintenance on the teeth including removing plaque & tartar from the surface of the teeth as also from the gums. Generally, a prophylaxis cleaning treatment is carried out in a healthy oral cavity, where unwanted plaque & stained teeth are addressed.

Scaling and root planning
This is a more invasive teeth-cleaning procedure where a deep cleaning is undertaken that also extends to the gum line. It also involves smoothing out the surface of the tooth root & removing tartar & plaque.

Gross debridement
This refers to a deep cleaning treatment for patients who haven’t visited the dentist in a while and have a fair amount of plaque buildup.
It is after a thorough oral examination that a dentist can decide whether the teeth need prophylaxis cleaning or a gross debridement.

Periodontal maintenance
This is a routine maintenance for people who suffer from gingivitis or periodontitis. Typically this requires frequent visits to the dentist until the symptoms of gum disease are fully under control.

What does prophylaxis cleaning achieve?

Prophylaxis dental cleaning has several benefits, including but not limited to:

Removal of tartar
Tartar and plaque buildup can lead to several periodontal issues. A prophylaxis treatment can address this issue and help remove the buildup.

Improve aesthetics
With Prophylaxis treatment you can say goodbye to stained, yellow teeth and smile confidently.

Remove bad breath
Periodontal disease often comes with bad breath or what is medically known as halitosis. With the removal of plaque this issue is suitably addressed.

Identification of health issues
Since prophylaxis involves a complete examination of the oral cavity, it helps to identify any issues early before they become threatening.

What does the prophylaxis dental cleaning treatment involve?

The dental prophylaxis cleaning typically involves several stages:

Dental Exam
This involves the dentist checking your teeth & gums before proceeding for the cleaning procedure.

X-ray
An X-Ray can go a long way in revealing areas that may need attention including any deep-seated cavities.

Cleaning
It will remove the plaque, tartar, and residual food buildup. The cleaning involves:

Supragingival cleaning
This involves cleaning of the area above the gum line.
Subgingival cleaning
This involves removing calculus from beneath the gum line & from gum pockets.

Flossing and Polishing
Flossing and then polishing the teeth help them look great & feel good.

How often should prophylaxis cleaning be undertaken?

The frequency really depends upon how prone the teeth are. For healthy teeth, Prophylaxis cleaning is recommended twice a year.

However, if you have a substantial risk of dental disease or if you already suffer from periodontitis, the frequency will increase and you may be called in for periodontal therapy once every 3 months. Even though gum disease cannot be totally reversed, its progress can be halted. A conversation with your dental professional will help in chalking out a bespoke plan for you.

Why choose Dental Oasis Family Dentistry for dental prophylaxis cleaning in Pleasanton?

Our experienced dentist ensures that you have a hassle-free experience when it comes to dental prophylaxis cleaning. We recommended prophylaxis cleaning twice annually as a preventive measure. Known for our professional as well as compassionate services, we are the go-to option when it comes to the highest quality dental care.

As a busy professional herself, Dr. Sharda Patel understands and treat every patient with their unique needs. High quality service, fast yet comprehensive service, flexible scheduling, and your personal comfort are her primary areas of focus! Long lasting patient relationships are the rewards of the Dental Oasis Family Dentistry.

Prophylaxis Cleaning FAQs

1. What is a prophylaxis cleaning?

A regular cleaning mechanism, prophylaxis involves removal of plaque, tartar as well as stains from the teeth. Essentially it is a procedure that can help maintain healthy teeth.

2. What is scaling & root planning?

It is a deep cleaning procedure & is recommended when a person shows signs of gum disease. It involves removing plaque & tartar above & below the gum line. Root planning also involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth. This may require multiple visits to the dentist.

3. What is plaque & tartar?

Plaque is a sticky substance that contains millions of bacteria. When not removed from your teeth, it turns into a harder substance called tartar. When tartar accumulates above & below the gum line it needs to be removed before it can cause serious issues to the teeth, gum & bone.

4. What can I expect at my cleaning appointment?

While the cleaning appointment is to remove plaque & tartar from your teeth & gums, you will also receive:

Disease Screening
Periodontal evaluation
X-rays
Oral care recommendation, and more.

5. What is antibiotic prophylaxis?

Some patients, especially those with heart conditions need antibiotic prophylaxis as without antibiotics, prophylaxis can cause infective endocarditis in some.

6. How long does a prophylaxis cleaning take?

Typically, the appointment requires 60 odd minutes. While 20 minutes are spent scaling & polishing the teeth, the rest are spent taking x-rays, reviewing health history, in oral hygiene instruction & more.

7. What if I have lots of tartar both above and below the gums?

In all likelihood you may not need prophylaxis cleaning but may need periodontal therapy. Do get in touch with us for the dentist to examine your teeth & recommend the right treatment before the tartar impacts your teeth, gums & bone.

8. How does a Periodontal cleaning differ from a prophylaxis cleaning?

Simply put, a regular prophylaxis cleaning is preventive cleaning for healthy teeth. A periodontal cleaning, on the other hand is recommended for patients who suffer from gum disease to help improve their oral health. In this case, it helps to address plaque & tartar that is deposited below the gumline that cannot be addressed with regular cleaning.

9. What are some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease?

The most common signs and symptoms of gum disease are:

Tender, inflamed gums
Bleeding Gums
Chronic bad breath
Bad taste in the mouth
Teeth that feel loose
Receding gumline

10. Does traditional dental insurance cover prophylaxis?

Traditional dental insurance may cover a part of the cost. You may, however, need to check your coverage.

11. How can I reach you for a prophylaxis cleaning procedure?

You can schedule an appointment form or call us at (925)-846-4491 and our customer support team will immediately help to schedule your appointment.

Book your dental prophylaxis cleaning appointment now!

No better way to keep your mouth healthy then regular prophylaxis cleaning! When you visit our dental office, we review all the available options with you and create a suitable prophylaxis cleaning plan which will rebuild your smile. If you want to say Goodbye to dental issues, call us at 925 846 4491 or email us at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com or click on the following button to schedule an appointment with us.

We look forward to caring for your smile!
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