Prophylaxis, commonly known as teeth cleaning, is a preventive dental treatment aimed at removing tartar, the mineralized plaque that may persist despite consistent brushing and flossing efforts. Administered by a dental hygienist, this professional cleaning comprises tooth scaling, polishing, and, in cases of extensive tartar, debridement. The procedure utilizes various instruments or devices to effectively loosen and eliminate deposits from the teeth.
Prophylaxis cleaning, scaling and root planing, and gross debridement are the three primary types of dental cleanings, all geared toward achieving cleaner teeth. However, they employ distinct procedures and serve different purposes.
To fully grasp the reasons behind and timing of each cleaning type, the following provides comprehensive insights.