Prophylaxis
Dental prophylaxis, commonly known as 'cleaning', is a treatment performed by either a Dentist or a qualified and licensed Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH). It involves thorough cleaning of teeth down to the gum line to remove plaque and debris that is almost impossible to remove even with strict adherence to a regualr flossing and brushing regimen. It is a crucial step in the prevention of everything from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontal disease.
We generally recommend a minimum of two visits per year for routine Hygiene maintenance including a thorough cleaning. For patients with any significant amount of periodontal disease, we may recommend up to 4 treatments per year in a program called Periodontal Maintenance.
Benefits
The preventative benefits of routine and regular prophylactic treatment cannot be overstated. By simply investing a couple of vists per year, each no more than an hour, patients can avoid far more troublesome and costly health problems down the line. The immediate benefits can be summarized as:
- Healthier Looking Smile
- Fresher Breath
- Virtually no cost
- Lifelong Healthy Natural Teeth