Although dental prophylaxis is typically considered to be synonymous with a dental cleaning, any procedure that promotes oral health can be classified as dental prophylaxis. As such, the following services can all be considered dental prophylaxis:
- Regular dental exams
- Diagnostic tests
- Dental cleanings
- Flossing/polish
- Sealants
- Fluoride treatment
Each of these services provides different types of support to ensure you have good oral health. By scheduling regular dental exams, your dentist can examine your mouth to identify any underlying issues, such as gum disease or cavities, or more serious issues like oral cancer. During these exams, they may also take diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or a CT scan in order to look for indications of tooth decay and determine appropriate treatment plans.
Dental Prophylaxis (Regular Dental Cleaning)
During your dental prophylaxis, or regular dental cleanings, your periodontist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth to identify any underlying issues. If none are present, they will perform a professional cleaning, which will involve removing tartar that has accumulated, removing visible stains on your teeth by polishing them with a pumice-type paste, and performing a professional flossing to remove dental plaque and food between your teeth. These regular cleanings are recommended for any patient who does not have periodontal disease and/or bone loss. If necessary, a scale and root planing procedure may be performed. The scale and root planing procedure involves the use of special instruments that remove the plaque and tartar that have accumulated above and below the gumline. By removing these, you will reduce your risk of developing deeper pockets in your gums, which can result in the development of periodontal disease.
Sealants and Fluoride Treatments
A recent review by AAP News and Journals Gateway showed that sealants provide long-term protection from tooth decay. The efficacy of fluoride treatments in preventing decay has also been supported by many clinical research studies, so much so that many experts are in favor of dietary fluoride supplementation in areas of the country that do not have fluoridated water. The U.S. Preventative Services Task force also supports and highly recommends the use of fluoride as part of regular dental cleanings.
At Home Care
While scheduling regular dental prophylaxis will improve your oral health and reduce your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, or other related oral health issues, these visits will be far less effective if you do not take good care of your teeth between visits. In order to have and maintain good oral health, it is essential that you brush your teeth twice daily, making sure to use proper brushing techniques. Flossing in combination with brushing has also been proven to significantly reduce an individual’s risk of developing gingivitis. Provided you practice good oral health care at home, your dental prophylaxis visits can continue to be spaced out every six months. If you do not practice these habits, you may develop gum disease, which can require surgical intervention and regular periodontal maintenance every three to four months.
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When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our services.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for All-on-4 Dental Implants is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.