Best Dentist Gilbert, AZ – Dental Care

Q: How long does a dental cleaning take?

A: A thorough routine dental cleaning will typically take between 30 minutes and 1 hour. This time will vary depending on the condition of your teeth and the dental cleaning procedure that your dentist or dental hygienist recommends. There are 4 different types of dental cleaning procedures:

1. Prophylaxis Cleaning: This procedure is often referred to as a routine dental cleaning. Derived from the Greek word “phylax” meaning to guard or protect, prophylaxis means to prevent. A prophylaxis cleaning is a painless dental procedure where plaque, tartar and stains are removed from the surfaces of healthy teeth. Most dentists recommend that prophylaxis cleanings are done every 6 months as part of regular dental care to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Scaling and root planing: Also called an SRP cleaning or a deep dental cleaning, it’s a two-step process used to treat gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease). Scaling is the technique of removing tartar and plaque off the surface of teeth and below the gum line in the gum pockets caused by gum disease. This process removes the bacteria causing gum inflammation. Root planing is where the dentist removes tartar and plaque deep below the gums from the roots of teeth. It’s done to eliminate gum pockets and help the gums reattach with the teeth. Dentists typically prescribe an SRP cleaning to patients that have gum disease or to patients that are at a high risk of developing periodontitis. Swollen gums, bleeding gums and loose teeth are all signs of gum disease that may require the dental care that a deep dental cleaning provides.
3. Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning: This is for people the have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and have undergone a deep cleaning. Periodontal maintenance cleanings will replace the bi-annual prophylaxis cleanings going forward. These dental cleanings will address everything that a routine cleaning addresses with additional dental care given to tooth roots, gums and bone. Your dentist will recommend the frequency of these appointments based on the progression or remission of the periodontal disease and the overall health of your teeth and gums.
4. Gross Debridement: This is not your typical dental cleaning by any measure. A debridement is needed when the dentist is not able to perform a comprehensive oral exam due to excessive amounts of plaque and tartar on teeth. It is the most heavy-duty type of dental cleaning and is usually done as a preliminary procedure so the dentist can proceed with additional dental care procedures. Ideally, a debridement is done just one time. It’s usually administered in cases where a patient has avoided going to the dentist for long periods of time.

The best dental care requires regular teeth cleanings. Patients that stick with bi-annual dental cleanings will have shorter teeth cleaning times than those who avoid going to the dentist for long periods of time.

Q: How often should you brush your teeth?

A: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day to clean your teeth. Each brushing should take no less than 2 minutes, making sure that every tooth gets brushed. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months or sooner if the bristles becomes frayed, matted or worn.

Q: How often should you floss?

A: Dentists recommend flossing once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth. Dental floss, flossing picks and water flossing all work well. Ask your dentist what method of flossing is best for your home dental care.