Once it is determined that there are no signs of periodontal disease, which would require a deeper cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) a regular professional cleaning can be performed. This treatment is also referred to as a Prophylaxis or Prophy for short.
A device known as an ultrasonic scaler is used to remove a lot of both plaque and calculus. Hand instruments (scalers) are used to complete the fine scaling that removes anything the ultrasonic scaler left behind.
The hygienist will then polish the teeth to smooth the surfaces. The purpose of polishing is to make it difficult for plaque to accumulate on the surface area. She will use a prophy cup which is a small motorized rubber cup along with an abrasive polishing compound.
We have an excellent recare program to help you stay on a periodic check-up schedule. This helps our patients maintain their smiles in a way that catches problems while they are still small.
Remember, preventative dentistry is the lowest cost and most convenient way to keep our teeth looking their best.
