PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANING (SCALING/PROPHYLAXIS)

Professional teeth cleaning (also known as scaling/prophylaxis) is a procedure for the removal of calculus/tartar (mineralized plaque-hardened deposits) that may develop over teeth even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas with difficult access (rear most tooth) in routine toothbrushing. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling (removal of hardened deposits-calculus/tartar), tooth polishing and debridement if too much tartar has accumulated by using various instruments or devices (ultrasonic scalers, curettes) to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth. Polishing ensures smoothening of the eroded teeth surfaces underneath calculus deposits after scaling. It is done with the help of a polishing paste and rubber cup. After polishing, sometimes a remineralising paste may be applied onto teeth for teeth protection. A sensitivity tooth paste may be advised for certain months to prevent sensitivity of teeth.

Professional teeth cleaning is recommendedonce in every six months if needed and is decided by the examining dentist.Sometimes, more frequent examinationandcleaning may be required during treatment of dental and other oral disorders. Routine dental examination/check-up of the teeth is recommended at least every year.