Dental Prophylaxis
What Is It: Often referred to as a prophy, this is a routine dental cleaning. Instruments are used to “scale” tartar, plaque and stains from teeth in the permanent dentition and transitional dentition seen in young adults that have some permanent and some primary teeth. It also includes cleaning below the gum line.
Procedure Description: Our experienced dental hygienists take great care and pride in their prophylaxis technique and knowledge. We use the latest dental hygiene equipment and, just as important, pay close attention to detail, giving you a profound cleaning. Appointments usually last an hour but vary depending on the depth of the cleaning you require. You will leave the office with a clean and bright smile!
Why You Would Need It: Everyone, no matter your age, can benefit from regular professional dental cleanings. Most individuals would benefit from two cleanings per year. Not only does this maintain health, but exams can prevent much larger problems that otherwise go unnoticed.
Scaling & Root Planing
What Is It: This procedure combines the process of scaling in a prophylaxis with root planing, in which debris and small amounts of root surface are removed to create a hard, clean, smooth surface.
Procedure Description: Scaling and root planing is designed to remove cementum and dentin (layers of dental root structure) that is rough, permeated by calculus, or contaminated with toxins or bacteria.
Why You Would Need It: This procedure is for teeth that exhibit periodontal disease. It is therapeutic and not prophylactic in nature. It might involve some or all of a patient’s teeth. This is necessary and may be a definitive treatment for those with periodontal or gum disease or as part of pre-surgical procedures in others.