Understanding the structure of dental care teams and the process involved in professional teeth cleaning can help you appreciate the roles different dental professionals play in maintaining your oral health.
Role of Dentists and Dental Hygienists
Ruislip Dentist are trained and fully qualified to perform a wide range of dental procedures, including teeth cleanings. However, in most dental offices, the task of cleaning teeth is delegated to dental hygienists. This delegation allows dentists to focus more on diagnosing dental issues, planning treatment, and performing complex procedures. Dental hygienists are licensed professionals specializing in preventive oral health care, including cleaning teeth, providing patient education, and supporting overall oral health maintenance.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning, clinically known as prophylaxis, is aimed at thoroughly cleaning the teeth. It is primarily preventive in nature and crucial for maintaining the health of not only the teeth but also the gums. Here’s what typically happens during a professional dental cleaning:
Examination: The process starts with a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums. Using a small mirror, the hygienist checks for signs of inflammation, cavities, or other potential issues. If there are major concerns, a dentist might be consulted to confirm the need for additional treatment.
Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized tools like a scaler, the hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar from around the gum line and between the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and food debris, and if not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to periodontal disease.
Polishing and Deep Cleaning: After tartar removal, high-powered brushes and gritty toothpaste are used to thoroughly clean and polish the teeth. This step helps remove any surface stains and residual plaque, leaving the teeth smooth and shiny.
Professional Flossing: Flossing during a dental visit reaches deep between the teeth and under the gumline, areas that might be missed during regular home brushing and flossing. This also helps to locate spots that bleed easily, indicating potential problem areas.
Rinsing and Fluoride Treatment: The final steps usually involve rinsing the mouth to remove any debris and applying a fluoride treatment. Fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth and protect against cavities until your next visit.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
The benefits of regular professional teeth cleanings are manifold:
- Prevention of Gum Disease: Regular cleanings help to prevent gum disease, which can lead to early tooth loss if untreated.
- Cavity Prevention: Removing plaque reduces the risk of tooth decay and cavities since plaque is a major cause of decay.
- Detection of Potential Issues: Regular visits help in the early detection of dental problems, which can be treated more effectively when caught early.
- Brighter Smile: Removing stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, and other substances can greatly enhance the appearance of your smile.
- Fresh Breath: Good oral hygiene is the best way to ensure your breath stays fresh.
Conclusion
So, while your dentist certainly can clean your teeth, it is likely that this task will be performed by a dental hygienist during your routine visits. This efficient teamwork allows each professional to work within their areas of expertise, ensuring that you receive the best preventative care while also benefiting from the dentist's oversight and expertise in more complex dental matters. Regular professional teeth cleanings are an essential part of dental care and go a long way in ensuring your oral health is maintained, preventing future dental issues, and keeping your smile bright and healthy.
