Meticulous cleanings that go beyond hygiene—revealing the true brilliance of your natural smile.
Regular Prophylaxis Cleaning:
A regular prophylaxis cleaning is the standard preventive treatment to maintain healthy teeth and gums, typically scheduled every 6-12 months. This process usually lasts around 30-60 minutes.
Initial Review and Setup:
Before starting the cleaning, Dr. Castellanos or our hygienist will briefly review your medical history and any relevant updates regarding health or allergies. We may also ask you to provide any recent concerns or discomfort you may have been experiencing.
Removal of Plaque and Tartar:
The dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the teeth’s surface, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the gum line. The ultrasonic tool uses vibration to loosen and break down tartar, followed by suction to remove debris.
Manual Scaling:
After the ultrasonic cleaning, we may use a manual scaler to clean areas that are more sensitive or that the ultrasonic tool could not reach effectively. The hygienist will work carefully around each tooth, using sharp instruments to remove any remaining plaque and tartar.
Polishing:
Once the teeth are clean, we will polish your teeth using a specialized polishing tool with a slightly abrasive paste. This helps smooth the surfaces of the teeth, removing any remaining stains and giving the teeth a shiny, smooth finish. This also helps to prevent the buildup of plaque in the future.
Flossing:
After polishing, the hygienist will thoroughly floss the patient’s teeth to remove any remaining particles between the teeth, ensuring a complete clean.
Fluoride Treatment (Optional but Recommended):
In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen the enamel and protect the teeth from decay. The fluoride is usually left on for a few minutes, then rinsed off.
Post-Cleaning Care and Recommendations:
Dr. Castellanos or our hygienist will discuss oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing and flossing properly, and make any recommendations for products (toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.). If there are any concerns about gum health, cavities, or areas that need closer attention, Dr. Castellanos will make suggestions for follow-up care. Patients will be given an appropriate recall schedule for future cleanings, usually every six months.
