Q and A with Dr. C - Dental Cleaning Revealed

Dental Cleaning is professionally defined as a procedure that includes scaling and polishing to remove coronal plaque, calculus and stain deposits that are coronal only (which rarely exist) and is a scaling and polishing procedure for patients in a healthy oral state. Carol Tekavec, RDH, Dental Economics March, 2000

This cleaning may be done by your dentist, dental hygienist, and/or a licensed professional, who performs this polishing in the dental office, along with education in the proper care of your teeth and gums. Dental cleaning is a routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planning and polishing. These three important steps are outlined in detail below.

Scaling: This is the removal of plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces with different types of scaling being used in relation to the amount of plaque and tartar.

Dental hygienists perform traditional scaling by hand. Advances in technology have led to more modern methods such as electric scalers which allow dental cleaning to be done in much shorter period of time. However to achieve best results electric and manual scaling should be combined in dental cleaning.

Ultrasonic scaling uses a machine called a cavitron which uses sound waves to remove tartar. Ultrasonic scalers can only remove 50% of total tartar buildup so hand scaling must follow cavitron scaling. People who wear pacemaker cannot get ultrasonic scaling because the ultrasonic sound can interfere with the function of the pacemaker.

Root Planning: This is the cleaning of pockets to stop further gum problems.

Root planning is used to treat perio conditions which are moderate to advanced gum diseases. When the gum is inflamed gum pockets become deeper and they lose bone connections inside. The deeper these pockets are the easier it is for them to trap plaque deposits and make the gum worse.

Root planning is essentially inserting the pointy front of handle scalers into & below the gum pockets to clean plaque buildup. Sometimes local anesthesia is needed to prevent any feeling of pain and depending on the degree of difficulties root planning can take several dental visits.

Polishing: This is the finishing touch of rubbing on the surface of the teeth

There are two kinds of polishers, the prophy jet polishing & rubber tip polishing with prophy paste. Prophy jet polishing works by spraying high pressured water mixed with baking soda paste onto the surface of your teeth. This powered water can wash away the residue and plaque while the baking soda removes the brown and yellow stains and neutralizes the acidic conditions in your mouth. Rubber cup polishing employs a low-speed hand piece with a rubber cup tip mounted on the top that contains a polishing paste that is made of abrasive ingredients ideal for removing stains.

The amount of time needed for dental cleaning depends on factors such as plaque deposits, complication of dental restorations, and your gingival health. People with more tartar and plaque buildup need longer appointments than those who have relatively cleaner teeth. In a moderate case dental cleaning should take about 25 to 30 minutes. Cleaning should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque build up. Lack of cleaning allows the growth of plaque which if left unchecked can lead to the various types of conditions involved in tooth decay.

Good oral hygiene is important, not only for looks, but for general health as well. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.

1. To Prevent Oral Cancer
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer, every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early.

2. To Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow. Regular dental cleanings and check ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease. How to Prevent Gum Disease

3. To Help Maintain Good Physical Health
Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. A dental cleaning every 6 months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes. How Your Mouth Affects your Overall Health

4. To Keep Your Teeth
Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular dental check ups and cleanings,brushing and flossing are vital to keeping as many teeth as you can. Keeping your teeth means better chewing function and ultimately, better health. Heart Disease and Tooth Loss

5. To Detect Dental Problems Early
Your dentist and hygienist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available. Top 10 Myths About Root Canals

6. To Maintain Good Oral Health
Your dental hygienist will help to ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health by visual examination and comparing your previous dental check ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene he / she will help put you back on the right path. How to Brush your Teeth

7. To Use Your Dental Insurance Plan
Dental insurance plans usually pay for all or most of the cost of dental cleanings and check ups every six months. Take advantage of this and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures that can result from poor oral hygiene. Should you Purchase Dental Insurance?

8. To Create a Treatment Plan
If your dentist diagnoses any problems in your mouth, he /she will most likely give you a treatment plan. This treatment plan should have the cost of each procedure that you will need, so that you can discuss financial arrangements with the front office. What Your Dentist Knows..That You Should Too

9. To Have a Bright and White Smile
Your dental hygienist can remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains. During your cleaning, your hygienist will also polish your teeth to a beautiful shine. The result? A whiter and brighter smile! Top 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening

10. To Prevent Bad Breath
Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. Regular check ups and cleanings are the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene.

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Dr. Paul Coleman and his team at The Coleman Center for Cosemetic Dentistry, located at 12324 Oak Knoll Rd. Poway, CA 92064, have been proudly serving the Dental, Cosmetic Dentistry & Neuromuscular Dentistry needs of San Deigo for over 20 Years. Contact us today to setup your Free Dental Consultation & get the Smile You Deserve.