A professional dental cleaning, formally known as prophylaxis, is a routine preventative procedure designed to maintain optimal oral health. Typically performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), this cleaning complements daily brushing and flossing. The process focuses on removing hardened deposits and assessing the entire oral environment, going beyond what can be achieved with at-home care.
Initial Assessment and Screening
The appointment begins with a thorough preliminary phase before any physical cleaning starts. The hygienist or dentist first reviews your current medical and dental history, discussing any recent changes or specific concerns. This ensures the cleaning is tailored to your health needs and alerts the clinician to underlying conditions that might affect your gums or teeth.
A detailed visual inspection of the mouth, tongue, and throat follows, serving as a comprehensive oral cancer screening and checking for signs of inflammation or decay. If necessary, recent dental X-rays are reviewed to reveal issues hidden beneath the gumline or between teeth, such as bone loss or interproximal decay. The hygienist also performs periodontal charting, gently measuring the depth of the gum pockets surrounding each tooth to check for signs of gum disease.
Removing Plaque and Tartar Deposits
The core of the professional cleaning involves removing built-up deposits that cannot be eliminated by a toothbrush alone. The hygienist focuses on the distinction between plaque, a soft, sticky film of bacteria, and tartar (or calculus), which is plaque that has hardened or mineralized over time. While daily brushing removes plaque, tartar is firmly bonded to the tooth surface and requires specialized tools for removal.
The process of removing these deposits, known as scaling, often begins with an ultrasonic device. This device uses rapid vibrations and a water mist to gently fracture and loosen large pieces of tartar. Following this, the hygienist uses manual instruments, such as curettes and scalers, to meticulously remove smaller deposits from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline. This mechanical action is crucial because hardened deposits provide a rough surface for new plaque to attach, accelerating decay and gum irritation.
Polishing and Surface Smoothing
After the deep cleaning is complete, the focus shifts to refining the tooth surfaces to discourage the rapid re-adherence of new bacteria. This is achieved through professional polishing, which utilizes a low-speed handpiece with a rotating rubber cup or brush. A specialized prophylaxis paste, containing mild abrasive agents like pumice or calcium carbonate, is applied.
This gritty paste effectively removes minor surface stains and any trace amounts of plaque missed during scaling. The polishing action smooths the enamel, making the tooth surface slick and harder for plaque biofilm to adhere. Professional flossing is also performed at this stage, reaching deep between teeth to remove any remaining debris or paste residue.
Protective Treatments and Recommendations
The final stage centers on fortifying the enamel and providing instruction for continued home care. A protective agent, most commonly a high-concentration fluoride treatment, is applied to the teeth. Fluoride promotes the remineralization of enamel, strengthening the tooth structure against future acid attacks from bacteria.
This treatment may be applied as a gel, foam in a tray, or a quick-drying varnish painted directly onto the teeth. Application is beneficial following a cleaning because the tooth surfaces are free of biofilm, allowing for maximum absorption. The hygienist or dentist concludes the visit by providing personalized oral hygiene tips and recommending the timing for the next routine cleaning.