Teeth Cleaning in Greenville SC
Dental Prophylaxis
What is a dental prophylaxis?
A dental prophylaxis, or “prophy”, is a disinfection treatment performed by one of our dental hygienists to thoroughly clean and examine your teeth and gums. Our hygienists Shera Davis, Kathy Terrell, and Jamie Fletcher, have a combined 75 years of dental experience.
A prophy helps stop the progression of periodontal disease. It should be noted that periodontal disease cannot be completely reversed, but prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Colson or Dr. Colson can use to stabilize it or effectively slow its progression. A prophy also allows us to evaluate your risk for tooth decay.
Patients with a low risk usually for gum and tooth issues visit their hygienist every 6 months while those with a higher risk visit their hygienist every 3-4 months. How easily your gums bleed, how quickly you develop calculus, and your decay rate are determining factors.
At your prophy appointment, your hygienist will review your chief concerns, update your periodontal charting (measurements of bone and gum support), update necessary radiographs, discuss your home-care routine and diet with you, and perform plaque/calculus removal treatments.
Finally, Dr. Colson or Dr. Colson will perform an 8 step oral cancer screening, examine your teeth, bite, oral soft tissues, current radiographs, and periodontal charting. The findings will be reviewed with you. At this time, needed treatment is discussed and planned. We allot 60 minutes in our schedule for this appointment with you.
Benefits of professional dental cleanings:
- Plaque (Biofilm) removal: Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque or biofilm buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious gum disease. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
- A healthier-looking smile: Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
- Fresher breath: Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
- Examination by Dr. Chad Colson or Dr. Jill Colson: The dentist will perform an 8 step oral cancer screening, examine your teeth, bite, oral soft tissues, current radiographs, and periodontal charting. At this time, needed treatment is discussed and planned.
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