Dental prophylaxis is a cleaning procedure that is crucial for halting the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis. Bacteria will build up in the gingival (gum) tissue and eventually cause serious chronic inflammation and irritation if left untreated. The body will respond by attacking the bacteria along with infected gum and bone tissue, often resulting in tooth loss. The pockets between the gums and teeth become deeper and house more bacteria which may travel via the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body.
Benefits of prophylaxis include:
Tartar removal - Tartar (calculus) and plaque build up can be difficult to completely remove with brushing alone. The keen eye of a dentist along with specialized equipment makes thorough cleaning possible.
Aesthetics -
Yellow, stained teeth can be quite embarrassing and lead to a lack of confidence when you smile. Prophylaxis will rid the teeth of these unsightly blemishes.
Fresher breath -
Persistent halitosis is a sign of periodontal disease. Removing rotting foot particles, plaque, and calculus will go a long way towards alleviating bad breath.
Identification of health issues - Since prophylaxis involves a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity, the dentist is able to screen for oral cancer, evaluate the risk of periodontitis and often spot signs of medical problems like diabetes and kidney problems. Recommendations can also be provided for altering the home care regimen.
Prophylaxis is generally performed in several stages. First, the areas above (supragingival) and below (subgingival) the gum line are cleaned of plaque and calculus using scaling tools. Then, the root itself is planed smooth, eliminating hiding spots for stubborn bacteria. An antibiotic cream is often used in the gum pockets to promote fast healing and ease discomfort. Finally, an x-ray and thorough examination is performed, identifying precisely how much damage has been done and where, which helps plan for future treatments if necessary. This procedure is recommended twice a year, but can be double that for more advanced cases of periodontitis.