A professional dental cleaning, formally known as prophylaxis, is a preventative procedure designed to maintain the health of the teeth and gums. The primary goal is to remove plaque and hardened calculus (tartar) that cannot be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing. Clearing these bacterial deposits helps prevent common dental issues like gingivitis and periodontitis. The treatment involves several distinct stages to ensure a thorough cleaning and protection of the tooth structure.
Initial Assessment and Preparation
The cleaning begins with a careful preliminary assessment of the entire oral cavity by the dental hygienist. This initial stage involves a detailed visual and tactile examination of the teeth, gums, and surrounding soft tissues. A small, angled mirror is used to inspect surfaces for signs of inflammation, discoloration, or potential decay that may not be apparent during a casual glance.
The hygienist systematically checks the gum pockets, the shallow spaces between the tooth and the gumline, using a calibrated probe. Measuring the depth helps determine gum tissue health and identifies early signs of periodontal disease. A review of the patient’s recent medical and dental history, and sometimes the capture of new diagnostic radiographs, may occur to tailor the cleaning plan to specific health concerns.
The Process of Tartar and Plaque Removal
The core of the dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque (a soft, sticky film of bacteria) and tartar, which is hardened plaque. Since tartar cannot be brushed away, specialized professional tools are required. Hygienists utilize a combination of manual and ultrasonic instruments for this deep cleaning.
Ultrasonic scalers are frequently used first for the bulk removal of heavy deposits. They operate by emitting high-frequency vibrations, which effectively shatter the calculus. These vibrations are combined with a continuous spray of water that cools the instrument tip, flushes out dislodged debris, and washes away bacteria. The sensation is often described as a tickling vibration accompanied by the sound of water suction.
Manual scaling tools, such as curettes and sickles, are then used for fine-tuning and ensuring a perfectly smooth tooth surface. These instruments are precisely angled to reach areas the ultrasonic device may miss, particularly along the root surfaces and deep within the gumline. This process involves a light scraping motion that removes any remaining deposits. Using both methods maximizes efficiency and precision, leaving the tooth surface free of the bacterial foundation that causes decay and gum disease.
Polishing, Flossing, and Fluoride Application
Once the hardened deposits are removed, the teeth undergo a polishing step to smooth the enamel surface and eliminate minor surface stains. This is accomplished using a slow-speed motorized handpiece fitted with a soft rubber cup. The hygienist applies a slightly gritty prophylaxis paste containing mild abrasive particles that mechanically smooth the microscopic roughness left after scaling.
Following the polish, the hygienist performs professional flossing to remove any residual paste or debris caught between the teeth. This step also allows the hygienist to check for tight contacts or rough spots that could complicate a patient’s home care routine. The final stage is the application of a concentrated topical fluoride treatment, often in the form of a varnish painted directly onto the teeth.
Fluoride is a mineral that actively promotes the remineralization of tooth enamel, strengthening the surface and making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. By applying this protective layer directly after the cleaning, the fluoride can be absorbed most effectively onto the newly exposed, clean enamel. The varnish adheres quickly to the tooth surface, providing prolonged contact time to maximize its protective benefits against future decay.
Immediate Expectations After Cleaning
It is common to experience a temporary increase in tooth or gum sensitivity immediately following a cleaning. This is especially true if significant tartar was removed from the root surfaces, temporarily exposing previously insulated areas. This sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is typically mild and subsides within a day or two as the gum tissue settles.
The gum tissue may also appear slightly red or feel tender, sometimes with minor pinprick bleeding, which is a normal response to the mechanical cleaning process. After the fluoride varnish application, patients are typically advised to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes to allow for optimal mineral absorption. Patients are also instructed to avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods for the first few hours to prevent disturbing the fresh fluoride layer. The cleaning concludes with recommendations for the next routine appointment, generally scheduled for six months later.