8 Steps for a Successful Dental Prophy Treatment

Haven’t visited your dentist for a complete teeth evaluation in a while? It’s time to get a dental prophy appointment. 

Everyone should get this professional teeth cleaning service regularly. It is a standard preventive measure in dental practice and involves a thorough teeth cleansing.

Moreover, it also includes checking your mouth and dental cavity for potential issues. 

Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Arizona offers outstanding professional services for teeth evaluation. You can visit the clinic or schedule an appointment online. 

Keep reading our blog to get a complete insight into this dental cleaning treatment. 

What is the Dental Prophy Procedure? 

Is prophylaxis the same as dental cleaning? Let’s take a closer look at this query. 

In medical terms, prophy is short for prophylaxis, referring to a cleaning treatment. It includes removing bacteria, calculus, tartar, and plaque accumulated on the teeth. 

To remove the deposits from your teeth, your dentist will use specialized tools and techniques to loosen them. 

If there is excessive tartar on your teeth, the process involves debridement, scaling, and polishing. 

The prophylactic dental cost could be $70-355$ if you do not have dental insurance. You can further explore the benefits of different types of dental cleaning. 

We all love our at-home oral care routine. Although it is enough to keep our pearly smiles, getting a professional evaluation is crucial. 

Let’s learn in detail the dental prophylaxis guidelines to keep in mind before going for an appointment. 

8 Steps for Dental Prophy Treatment You Should Know

Prophylaxis dental cleaning is a thorough examination that helps you keep gum disease at bay. You can use some effective remedies to cure gum disease.

However, professional treatment gives you an edge to keep your teeth healthy and shining in the long run. 

Here is a detailed analysis of what to expect during a dental prophylaxis appointment:  

1- Show Up Regularly on Dental Appointments 

Your dentist will recommend you schedule regular dental checkups. The ideal time frame is six months between each dental appointment.

It is the foremost step in proactive oral care. 

These checkups ensure your teeth’ health stays up to the mark, and you get to know of potential problems beforehand.  

Note: Your doctor may recommend prophylaxis antibiotics before proceeding with the treatment. It is crucial for patients with certain heart conditions or joint replacement surgery. 

2- Detailed Oral Examination

Prepare yourself for a detailed analysis of your mouth, teeth, and gums at your dental appointment.

A comprehensive examination lets your dentist detect any existing teeth ailment or potential issues. They can know of cavities and signs of gum disease and suggest suitable treatment. 

3- Get an X-ray (if needed)

If your dentist needs more probing for your teeth, they can suggest a dental x-ray. It provides a clear overview of your dental structures. 

Your dentist is well-versed in hidden problems that are sometimes invisible to the naked eye. 

Don’t worry! A dental X-ray is not painful, and it only takes five minutes.  

4- Scaling and Root Planing

If you have a substantial buildup of tartar or calculus, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. 

Scaling involves the removal of tartar and plaque, while root planing smoothens your tooth roots.

It also discourages future plaque buildup. This step of dental prophy promotes healthier gums and overall teeth well-being. 

5- Teeth Polishing

Your teeth require a polishing procedure after scaling. It will eliminate stains and residual plaque.

Teeth polishing not only enhances aesthetic apparel but smoothens the teeth as well.

It will be hard for plaque to accumulate on your teeth after a successful polishing procedure.

Remember! Scaling is not just about appearance. It’s a much-needed process for long-term oral health.  

6- Flouride Treatment (if recommended)

Sometimes, your dentist may suggest you go for a fluoride treatment for your teeth. This treatment is necessary if you are at a high risk of developing cavities or tooth decay. 

The American Dental Association recommends you get a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth from the harmful impact of acid. This additional protective layer helps your teeth fight decay and stay healthy for a long time. 

7- Oral Hygiene Tips 

During a dental prophy session, your dentist may also give you personalized advice on oral hygiene tips.

You will find it beneficial for your regular dental hygiene regimen.

The oral hygiene tips may include:

• Spend two minutes brushing your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss regularly to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. 
• Use mouthwash to kill bacteria.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles fray. 
• Keep a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables and limit sugar-filled beverages. 
• Stay hydrated. 
• Wear a mouthguard during sports to protect teeth. 
• Quit tobacco and avoid the occasional smoke. 

8- Follow-up Appointments 

Don’t forget the follow-up appointments. You need to be in touch with your dentist.

That’s even more crucial if you have severe teeth issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or teeth sensation. 

Benefits of Dental Prophy Treatment 

The benefits of prophy treatment entail happy, healthy teeth and gums. Here’s why you should get a teeth cleaning treatment regularly: 

Stay Clear of Gum Disease 

Dental prophylaxis is the most beneficial measure against gum disease. Without any plaque and tartar, your teeth and gums retain their health. 

Staying clear of gum disease helps you avoid severe dental issues such as gingivitis and periodontitis. 

Avoid Cavities 

Regular prophy treatment leads to cavity prevention.

The thorough cleaning and polishing of teeth reduces all plaque from your teeth.

It is beneficial in preserving tooth structure and preventing the need to get teeth filling. 

Maintain a Fresh Breath 

Dental prophy helps you maintain a fresh breath. It gets rid of the bacteria that cause foul breath. The scaling and polishing give you a cleaner, fresher oral environment.

Moreover, this procedure enhances the aesthetics of your teeth. The stain removal leaves your teeth looking brighter and more polished.

You find yourself more attractive and self-assured when you smile. 

Get Early Detection of Oral Issues

The detailed oral examination lets your dentist diagnose tooth anomalies beforehand. It helps in timely intervention and prevents the problem progression.

It also reduces the likelihood of getting extensive, painful treatments.  

Strengthen Enamel with Fluoride Treatment

With your doctor’s recommendation, fluoride treatment during dental prophy strengthens your tooth enamel. It helps stop decay and supports your teeth’s defenses against acid attacks. 

Takeaway!

A complete prophylaxis dental cleaning is a must for everyone. Whether you are a teenager, adult, or middle-aged, go for a dental prophy.

Thanks to this dental procedure, you won’t have to worry about your teeth being safe or healthy. 

FAQs

What Does Prophy Mean in Dental? 

Prophy is short for ‘prophylaxis.’ It refers to preventive dental care that cleanses the teeth thoroughly to maintain overall dental health.

Is Prophy the Same as Polishing? 

No. Polishing is often a part of the prophy procedure. These are different. Prophy involves a more comprehensive dental cleaning that removes plaque and tartar.

Polishing refers to the smoothing of the tooth surfaces after cleaning. 

What is the Difference Between Scaling and Prophy? 

Scaling is a more in-depth cleaning process that removes hardened deposits of plaques and tartar.

On the other hand, prophy is a routine cleaning procedure essential for maintaining overall oral health.