PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
Also known as Prophylaxis and teeth cleaning
Teeth Cleaning at Oroville Dentistry
- Description: The professional removal of bacteria and debris from around the teeth and below the gum line.
- Reason for having a professional cleaning: Your gum tissue and the bone beneath are very important! They provide the foundation for your teeth. In every mouth, bacteria, food and saliva form a sticky layer on the teeth, known as plaque. This can be removed through regular flossing and brushing. If this plaque layer is left in place for too long, due to forgetting to floss or accidentally missing a spot, it becomes hardened and cannot be removed by brushing. This hardened layer, called calculus, must be professionally removed.
Both plaque and calculus have high levels of bacteria which release toxins that irritate the gum tissue. Over time this can become more severe, and bone and tissue around the tooth will be lost. This is known as Periodontitis, or gum disease. If this condition is allowed to progress it will cause severe loss of the bone and lead to the loss of the surrounding teeth. - What to expect at your appointment: Our highly skilled dental hygienist and Dr. Appel will evaluate the health of your gum tissue and the extent of treatment needed to bring your tissues back to optimal health. Special instruments will be used by our dental hygienist to remove the plaque and calculus, and your teeth will be polished. You will be taught the best methods to keep your teeth clean in the future. A custom plan will be created to help you achieve and maintain healthy gum tissue.
