Prophylaxis
The mouth is an area with a very particular environment that demands special care. Teeth cleaning removes the deposits of plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) that grow naturally in the mouth one hour after brushing. The excess of this film of bacteria increases the risk of having gum disease.
Preventive measures:
- To reduce these risks, Professional dental cleaning is recommended twice a year, at least .
- At Mario Garita Dental Clinic, a trained dental hygienist performs this essential cleaning.
- In addition, the dental hygienist’s role is to educate patients on how to be thorough in their daily brushing and flossing routines. Moreover, they help identify specific areas in the mouth that may require special attention.
Is Topical or local anesthesia necessary?
At Mario Garita MP Dental Clinic, we believe it’s important to keep our patients informed about every detail and implication of the procedures we perform.
Generally speaking, individuals who maintain proper oral hygiene habits at home—through consistent brushing and flossing—do not usually experience pain or discomfort during a dental cleaning.
However, those with sensitive gums may feel some discomfort during the procedure. In such cases, the use of a topical or local anesthetic may be necessary to ensure comfort.
Wich dental cleaning do I need?
There are a variety of dental cleanings available but the one needed in every specific case must be determined by your dental hygienist after a complete dental evaluation:
Prophylaxis or regular cleaning
Gross debridement
It’s is a preliminary procedure performed to remove subgingival and/or supragingival plaque and tartar when its presence makes impossible to perform a complete oral evaluation. After removal, additional procedures may be necessary.
Scaling (deep cleaning) and root planning
This procedure is recommended for patients with periodontal disease and is more therapeutic than prophylactic. It involves scaling all plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth and root surfaces; and then root planing, cleans rough areas of the root surfaces avoiding plaque and tartar to deposit underneath the gum line and allowing gums to heal more easily.
Periodontal maintenance
It is recommended every 3-4 months for patients who have completed periodontal treatment, to keep periodontal disease under control. This procedure includes removal of the plaque from pocket areas, scaling and polishing of the teeth, and a review of the patient’s plaque control efficiency.