A professional dental cleaning, formally known as prophylaxis, is a routine preventative procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist. The primary goal of this maintenance is to remove plaque and hardened calculus deposits from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gum line to maintain optimal oral health. The term “prophylaxis” emphasizes the procedure’s function in preventing dental issues like gingivitis and tooth decay. Even with diligent at-home care, professional cleaning is necessary because it targets areas difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss. This thorough process helps prevent the development of more serious dental complications in the future.
Initial Examination and Screening
The cleaning process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s current oral health status. The dental professional systematically examines the teeth, gums, and surrounding soft tissues for any signs of disease or potential problems. This initial screening includes a visual inspection combined with a tactile check using a small dental mirror and a specialized probe.
The probe is used to gently measure the depth of the gingival sulcus, the small pocket between the tooth and the gum tissue, to detect early signs of gum inflammation or periodontal disease. Existing conditions, such as decay, worn fillings, or significant calculus buildup, are carefully noted and recorded in the patient’s dental chart. This methodical charting provides a baseline for tracking changes in oral health and ensures the cleaning procedure is tailored to specific needs.
Scaling: Removing Plaque and Calculus
The core of the professional cleaning involves scaling, which is the mechanical removal of both soft and hard deposits from the tooth surfaces. Plaque is a soft, sticky biofilm composed of bacteria, while calculus (or tartar) is plaque that has hardened and mineralized over time. Once plaque calcifies into tartar, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone.
Dental professionals employ two main methods for scaling: manual instruments and ultrasonic devices. Manual scaling uses slender metal tools like curettes and scalers, which the hygienist manipulates to scrape deposits off the tooth surface, both above and slightly below the gum line. This method allows for precise removal, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
Ultrasonic scalers operate by rapidly vibrating a metal tip at a high frequency, often between 18,000 and 45,000 cycles per second. This vibration shatters the hard calculus deposits, while a simultaneous jet of water mist cools the tip and washes away the debris. The water spray also creates tiny bubbles, a process known as cavitation, which helps disrupt the bacterial plaque biofilm.
During scaling, patients may notice a light pressure or scraping sensation, especially where calculus deposits are dense. The ultrasonic scaler produces a distinct, high-pitched whirring sound and a flow of cold water, managed by a suction tool. This removal of hardened buildup prevents the bacteria housed within the calculus from irritating the gum tissue, which causes periodontal disease.
Polishing and Fluoride Application
Once the teeth are free of hard calculus, the next step is polishing, which is distinct from scaling. Polishing utilizes a slow-speed handpiece fitted with a soft rubber cup or brush, combined with a mildly abrasive paste called prophy paste. This paste is often pumice-based and comes in various grits, selected based on the amount of surface stain present.
The rotation of the cup and the gritty paste works to smooth the enamel, removing minor surface irregularities and extrinsic stains caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco. This step is cosmetic, creating a glossy surface that makes it significantly more difficult for new plaque to adhere to the tooth. After polishing, a protective fluoride treatment is often applied to the teeth.
This application typically uses a highly concentrated fluoride varnish or foam, which is either painted directly onto the teeth or held against them in a tray for a short period. Fluoride works by promoting remineralization, a process where minerals are deposited back into the tooth enamel structure, making the teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. This final step acts as a chemical protectant, reinforcing the enamel and reducing the risk of developing cavities.