Performed in conjunction with a regular checkup, a simple procedure like teeth cleaning, also called prophylaxis, can go a long way toward preventing tooth decay and gum disease.  Stemming from a Greek word meaning to protect or guard, prophylaxis is one of a variety of tools your dentist can use to assess your oral health in general and check for specific issues. 

Protecting and guarding your teeth from decay and gum disease is critical to maintaining excellent oral health and something your dental care team at Groove Dental Clinic in Edmonton is passionate about!

Dental cleaning is usually performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist, followed by a checkup with your dentist.  Our dental hygienists will use special dental instruments designed specifically for cleaning teeth. Everyone’s teeth are a little different so your cleaning will be tailored to you; however, most cleanings follow a similar pattern and include the following:

• Removal of tartar or calculus: Tartar is hardened material that has been missed during regular brushing and flossing and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. It can form above and below the gum line, cannot always be seen, and can only be removed with special dental tools.
• Removal of plaque: Almost invisible, plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth. It is a living and growing colony of bacteria, saliva, and food residue.  This bacteria can produce toxins that inflame the gums and is the start of periodontal disease in your mouth.
• Polishing: Polishing the teeth helps to remove remaining plaque and stains that are not removed during flossing, brushing and scaling. Polishing is often our patient’s favorite step in the cleaning process.

To get started, your dental hygienist will do an oral examination to evaluate the overall health of your teeth and gums.  Following that, your cleaning will be performed using either an ultrasonic scaler or metal instruments, called curettes, to remove the tartar and plaque from the tooth surfaces. 

An ultrasonic scaler is a hand held tool with a tiny vibrating tip that breaks up hardened deposits without damaging the tooth.  A constant stream of liquid, called a lavage, is applied to the tooth to help remove debris and cool the tip of the scaler as it works to break up the hardened material. 

The curettes are hand held metal instruments that are shaped to fit around and in between your teeth.  For those patients with more sensitive teeth, the hand held instruments may be more comfortable for a cleaning. Regardless of which cleaning tools are used, it takes only moderate pressure to remove even the most stubborn buildup and scrub the teeth clean.

Finally, your teeth are polished with a soft, rubber tipped brush rotating slowly along each tooth surface.  A gritty gel, similar to toothpaste, is used with the rotating brush as it spins around at a low speed and polishes your teeth into a bright and shiny smile.  After a professional cleaning, your teeth will feel smooth and squeaky clean and they will appear a lot brighter!