Professional Dental Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning or dental prophylaxis is usually performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist. Your cleaning appointment will include the following:
- Removal of plaque, a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. Plaque is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums. This inflammation can start of periodontal disease!
- Removal of calculus or tartar, a hardened plaque that has been left on the teeth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Teeth polishing removes stain and plaque that is not removed during routine tooth brushing and scaling.
Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental examination will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. A regular dental examination will also be performed each visit after your professional dental cleaning. Your examination includes:
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Oral cancer screening to check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums.
- Gum disease evaluation to check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of all tooth surfaces to check for decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations including current fillings, crowns, and other dental appliances.
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