Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums and is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

The benefits of prophylaxis include:

• Plaque removal. The accumulation of hard and soft deposits, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious gum problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper brushing and flossing routine at home it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to identify and remove potentially damaging buildup.
• A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile.  Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
• Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria by our team can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.

Patients with a history of periodontal disease need to be seen on a more frequent basis to reduce their long-term risk of disease recurrence.  Many of our patients are seen on a 1, 2, 3, or 4 month recall based upon their individual level of risk.  Although the process of gum disease cannot be completely reversed, prophylaxis is one of the tools that our team can use to effectively halt its progression.