Regular dental cleanings are important for oral health.
It is common knowledge that brushing teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and using an antiseptic mouth rinse daily can help keep teeth and the gum line healthy. It is also very important to get regular cleanings at a dentist's office to clean areas that a toothbrush or floss can not reach. The type of dental cleaning an individual will receive depends on the health and condition of his teeth and gum line.
Routine or Standard Cleaning
A routine or standard cleaning is also known as a healthy mouth cleaning. This type of cleaning is covered by most insurance companies and can be performed on individuals who do not show any signs of gum disease. A routine cleaning is typically done every three to six months, and is usually performed by a dental hygienist. During a standard dental cleaning, small deposits of plaque are removed above and below the gum line. Teeth are then polished, and sometimes a fluoride treatment will be applied.
Extensive Cleaning or Full Mouth Debridement
An extensive dental cleaning or a full mouth debridement is performed on a patient who has not had her teeth cleaned in at least a year. It may also be performed if a patient presents with excessive plaque, calculus, or mineral deposits above or below the gum line. During an extensive cleaning, plaque buildup is removed, including plaque that has fused to the roots of teeth. Teeth are then cleaned and polished. After a full mouth debridement, a patient is treated with an antimicrobial irrigation and advised on ways to improve dental hygiene at home.
Deep Scaling and Root Planing
Deep scaling and root planing is performed on patients who are diagnosed with periodontal disease. This type of treatment is usually only needed once, but may take place in multiple sessions to avoid too much pain at one time. During deep scaling and root planing, anesthesia may be needed to ensure a patient's comfort. Deep scaling and root planing procedures involve the removal of bacterial plaque, both above and below the gum line. The surfaces of the roots of teeth are smoothed and the patient receives both a fluoride treatment and an antimicrobial irrigation. Localized antibiotics are given to patients who have to have a deep scaling and root planing treatment. The patient returns for a standard cleaning two to four weeks after this treatment.
Periodontal Cleaning
Individuals with severe, active gum disease may need to have periodontal cleanings every few months after a deep scaling and root planing procedure. During this type of cleaning, the whole mouth does not have to undergo scaling and root planing, but localized affected areas will require the treatments. In addition to having teeth polished, the patient is given a fluoride treatment and an antimicrobial irrigation. Localized antibiotics will be given to periodontal patients having teeth cleaned. During this type of treatment, a dentist reassesses the condition of the teeth and gum line in order to determine if the patient can downgrade to a less invasive type of cleaning down the road.
Tags: root planing, scaling root, scaling root planing, above below, above below line, antimicrobial irrigation
