Learn About Different Types of Dental Cleanings for a Healthy Mouth

There's no question that maintaining good dental and oral hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being, and regular dental cleanings play a crucial role in preventing oral health issues and keeping your teeth strong, healthy, and beautiful. Many patients are surprised to learn that dental cleanings go far beyond the standing prophylactic cleaning you may be used to. Here, Dr. Dasha Frias Landa and the knowledgeable team at Alliance Family Dentistry in Naples, FL provide helpful information about some of the most popular and beneficial types of teeth cleaning that our practice offers to help meet the diverse needs of our patients.

Why are professional dental cleanings important?

Regular dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are essential for removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can accumulate on teeth and gums. Despite regular brushing and flossing, some areas of the mouth may be challenging to clean effectively on your own, leading to the buildup of harmful substances that can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Some of the primary benefits of adhering to a regular dental cleaning schedule include:

• Cavity prevention
• Maintaining gum health
• Minimize the risk of dental and oral complications

Additionally, these appointments give our team opportunities to monitor your dental and oral health multiple times per year and potentially identify issues that may arise so that they can be addressed or treated as soon as possible.

How often do I need to get my teeth cleaned?

The frequency of dental cleanings may vary depending on individual factors such as oral health status and known risk factors for oral diseases. In general, most patients are encouraged to schedule dental cleanings once every six months as part of their preventive dental care routine. However, those patients with certain risk factors – such as gum disease or a history of cavities — may require more frequent cleanings to maintain optimal oral health. Based on the findings during each of your dental exams or cleanings, Dr. Frias Linda will make appropriate recommendations for any adjustments to your dental cleaning schedule that may be needed.

What type of dental cleaning do I need?

Although most people think of a standard preventive cleaning when talking about dental cleanings, there are actually a variety of approaches that may be used based on the patient's individual situation. These include:

Regular prophylaxis

Regular prophylaxis, or routine dental cleaning, is generally recommended for men, women, and children with healthy teeth and gums. During this cleaning, a dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and along the gumline. The teeth are then polished to remove surface stains and leave them feeling smooth and clean.

Full-mouth debridement

Full mouth debridement is typically recommended for patients with significant plaque and tartar buildup or those who haven't had a cleaning in a long time. This type of cleaning involves removing the bulk of plaque and tartar from the teeth to allow for a more thorough examination and assessment of the oral health status.

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing, sometimes referred to simply as a "deep cleaning," is a more intensive procedure usually reserved for patients with gum disease or periodontal pockets. During this procedure, the dental hygienist will remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gumline. The roots of the teeth are then smoothed to remove rough areas where bacteria can accumulate, promoting healing and preventing further progression of gum disease.

Periodontal maintenance

Periodontal maintenance cleanings are recommended for patients with a history of gum disease in order to maintain gum health and prevent recurrence of the condition. These cleanings typically involve more frequent visits to the dental office, during which the dental hygienist will thoroughly clean the teeth and gums, monitor the condition of the gums, and provide personalized oral hygiene instructions.

Implant cleaning

Implant cleaning may be used in patients with dental implants to ensure their longevity and prevent complications such as peri-implantitis. During implant cleaning, special instruments are used to remove plaque and bacteria from around the implant and along the gumline. Regular maintenance and cleaning of dental implants helps to preserve overall oral health and the integrity of the implant structure.

Based on the health of your teeth, gums, and other oral structures, as well as a number of other factors, Dr. Frias Linda can help you better understand the most appropriate type and frequency of dental cleanings for you.

When it comes to your oral health, don't settle for standard. Discover the benefits of advanced dental cleanings in Naples, FL

Patients today have more options than ever for keeping their natural teeth and dental restorations strong, healthy, functional, and beautiful. To learn more about how and why a more advanced approach for dental cleaning may be suitable for you, don't hesitate to call our friendly team at Alliance Family Dentistry to schedule your consultation and exam with Naples, FL family dentist Dr. Dasha Frias Landa today.