Dental visits twice a year for cleaning and exams are essential and follow general health recommendations. A basic dental cleaning consists of a physical examination of teeth and gums. An instrument called a scaler will then be used to remove any tartar on and around the tooth. When all tartar has been removed, a professional hygienist will polish the and clean the tooth enamel. A professional flossing and a final rinse will also be performed.
Your hygienist will also examine your teeth for pocketing, which is when the space between teeth and gums is 5 millimetres or more. A deep cleaning may be recommended, if the space is greater than 5mm, a deep cleaning may be recommended.
A deep cleaning may also be prescribed if a patient has been an extended period of time without a basic cleaning or is showing signs of gum disease. If it is determined a deep cleanings is recommended, it is important that this cleaning be carried out as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
