PROPHYLAXIS TEETH CLEANING

It is possible to perform prophylaxis during a regular dental appointment or under general anesthesia, if necessary.  The latter is particularly common in cases where severe periodontal disease has been diagnosed by a dentist or suspected by the dentist.  Sometimes an endotracheal tube is placed in the throat to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the lungs.

Generally, prophylaxis consists of several stages:

1. Subgingival cleaning –
   For patients with periodontal disease, this is the most important step because the dentist is able to remove calculus from the gum pockets and below the gum line.
2. Supragingival cleaning –
   With scaling tools, the dentist will thoroughly clean the area above the gum line of plaque and calculus.
3. Root planing –
   By smoothing the tooth root, the dentist eliminates any bacteria that may remain.  Periodontitis sufferers are at risk from these bacteria, so eliminating them is one of the dentist’s highest priorities.
4. Medication –
   After scaling and root planing, an antibiotic or antimicrobial cream is often applied to the gum pockets.  Fast and healthy healing is promoted and discomfort is eased with these creams.
5. X-ray and examination –
   Periodontal disease can be revealed by routine X-rays.  An X-ray can be used to assess the extent of bone and gum recession, as well as to identify areas that may require future attention.

In order to prevent periodontitis, prophylaxis should be performed twice annually, but it should be performed every three to four months for patients suffering from the disease.  Despite the fact that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, prophylaxis is one of the tools dentists have at their disposal to stop its destructive progress.

Please contact your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about prophylaxis or periodontal disease.