Dental cleaning is the removal of plaque (a soft, sticky, bacteria infested film) and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Dental cleanings are necessary to prevent cavities, gingivitis and gum disease. If left untreated, severe gum disease can result in bone and tooth loss.

The dental hygienist will use specialized instruments to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. The ultrasonic device sprays a cooling mist of water while it works to wash away debris. Next, scalers and curettes are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. These tools are curved and shaped to match the curves of the teeth. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished using a slow speed hand piece with a soft rubber cup. Polishing paste is then applied to the teeth to make them shiny and smooth. Your dental hygienist may also apply fluoride to the teeth to help strengthen the tooth enamel.

Deep Dental Cleaning – Scaling and Root Planing