At some point, you may have been told that you have periodontal disease and require a different type of teeth cleaning. The word periodontal means “around the tooth.” When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the tissue and bone which support the teeth. This results in periodontal disease which can cause bad breath, red, tender or swollen gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, receding gums and in severe cases loss of teeth.
Periodontal disease can be diagnosed at a patient’s initial appointment and treatment recommendations vary. A periodontal cleaning requires a deeper cleaning referred to as “scaling and root planing”.
Many patients are not aware they have periodontal disease because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Periodontal disease is the number one reason for tooth loss and research suggests there may be a link between periodontal disease and other medical diseases. Before starting treatment, it is our goal to address all questions and concerns about treatment, prognosis, cost and even insurance reimbursement.
Prophylaxis is basically a dental term for a regular teeth cleaning. Regular prophylaxis appointments are recognized by the American Dental Association and dental insurance companies as a necessary preventive measure once every six months. A prophylaxis appointment means that you will receive a thorough teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist and a complete examination by a dentist. At interval prophylaxis appointments, you may have x-rays and photos taken. The dentist will use these images to assist in a thorough examination of your mouth to determine if there is need for any treatment.
Dr. Thomason working on a patient
Benefits of a regular teeth cleaning include the removal of tarter and plaque build-up, fresher breath and healthy appearance. Tarter and plaque buildup naturally occur. But if left unremoved, they can lead to serious dental problems and even become the source of serious medical concerns. Regular prophylaxis appointments will help keep your teeth, tissue and mouth in good health. It can also prevent or halt the progression of gum disease.
We follow the ADA guidelines and recommend a regular teeth cleaning every six months as a preventative measure. Since this prophylaxis appointment involves a thorough examination of the mouth, we are able to screen for oral cancer, evaluate the risk of periodontal disease and often spot signs of other dental problems. We can also provide recommendations for changing your home care routine to improve the overall health of your mouth and smile.
A prophylaxis cleaning is a preventive cleaning to help keep your teeth and gums
healthy. A periodontal cleaning is considered treatment to treat Periodontal Disease and restore
your gums to a healthy and stable condition.
We would love for you to give us a call or stop in if you have any questions regarding prophylaxis cleaning and periodontal cleaning. You can find us at 151 N Stierman Way in Eagle, Idaho or give us a call at (208)939-4111. You are also welcome to visit our Contact Us page and shoot us a quick message.