Teeth Cleaning (Dental Prophylaxis)

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly remove plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.  Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.  The benefits include:

• Plaque and tartar removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gumline, can result in serious periodontal problems.  Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. Dr. Hardy and his hygienist use specialized dental instruments to remove potentially damaging buildup.
• A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile.  Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
• Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) can be indicative of advancing periodontal disease.  The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce potential infection.

We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventive measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for patients who have periodontal disease.  It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Hardy can use to effectively halt its progression.