Dental prophylaxis

Dental Prophylaxis is a term used in dentistry to describe the process of thoroughly cleaning the teeth. This procedure is primarily performed to prevent dental disease such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Overview

Dental prophylaxis is a preventive measure that involves the removal of dental plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth. It is an important dental treatment for halting the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Procedure

Dental prophylaxis is performed by a professional, either a dentist or a licensed dental hygienist. The procedure involves several steps:

1. Scaling: This is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces. However, depending on the amount of calculus, it may require more than one visit to complete the procedure.
2. Polishing: This is done using a slow speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end. Prophylaxis paste, a special gritty toothpaste, is scooped up like ice cream into the cup and spun around on the teeth to make them shiny smooth.
3. Fluoride: The final step of the teeth cleaning process is a fluoride treatment. This treatment is used as a protectant for your teeth to help fight against cavities for several months.

Benefits

Regular dental prophylaxis can prevent oral disease, provide a cleaner aesthetic appearance, and improve breath odor. It can also enable the dentist to detect early signs of diseases such as oral cancer and gum disease.

Risks

While dental prophylaxis is generally safe, it can occasionally lead to complications such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and in rare cases, infection or bleeding.

See Also

• Oral hygiene
• Dental plaque
• Periodontal disease
• Gingivitis