Reno Dentists Discuss Two Types of Dental Cleanings

Reno Dentists Discuss Two Types of Dental Cleanings

Posted March 1, 2013 by Wager-Evans Dental

close up The type of dental cleaning that is right for your depends upon the health of your mouth. Patients who have healthy mouths require different dental attention than those with a dental health problem like gum disease. Thus, the type of dental cleaning given to each patient will vary based on that patient’s needs. Here to compare two types of dental cleanings are your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans. They discuss dental cleanings for healthy mouths alongside dental cleanings for patients with gum disease.

Preventive Dental Cleanings

A preventive dental cleaning is called a prophylaxis. This type of dental cleaning is used for patients who exhibit symptoms of a healthy mouth. The focus of this type of cleaning is plaque and tartar removal. It will likely involve the scraping of some plaque and flossing to ensure that teeth remain clean.

Root Planing and Scaling

Root planning and scaling is a type of cleaning used for patients who have gum disease and is often done when pockets have begun to form between the gums and the teeth. These pockets are typically filled with bacteria which need to be removed to restore health to the mouth and gums. By using root planing and scaling, a dentist is able to clean teeth down to their roots. Before the procedure, a local anesthetic is often used to numb the gums and teeth while they are being cleaned.  This procedure can prevent tooth loss caused by periodontitis by removing bacteria that attack the bones and ligaments that support teeth. If good oral hygiene is practiced after the procedure, the gums should become healthy once again.

Schedule a Visit with Your Reno Dentists

Regular dental visits can keep teeth free of bacteria-ridden plaque and tartar. If your last dental visit was more than six months ago, you are due for a checkup. Schedule an appointment with your Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans. Contact our 89502 dentist office at 775-829-7700. We are proud to serve patients in Reno, Sparks, Sun Valley, Spanish Springs, and surrounding communities.