Prophylaxis Appointment:

Prophylaxis, commonly referred to as a “prophy,” is a preventive dental cleaning procedure. This appointment is typically recommended for individuals with good oral health and serves to maintain their teeth and gums in a healthy state. The primary objectives of a prophy appointment include plaque and tartar removal, polishing of the teeth, and a thorough examination of the oral cavity.

Key Components of a Prophy Appointment:

• Plaque and Tartar Removal: Dental professionals use specialized tools to remove accumulated plaque and tartar from the teeth. This helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

• Teeth Polishing: After plaque and tartar removal, the teeth are polished to remove surface stains and create a smooth surface, making it more difficult for plaque to adhere.

• Oral Examination: The dentist examines the overall oral health, checking for any signs of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer.

• Fluoride Treatment (if needed): Depending on the patient’s risk of developing cavities, a fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen the teeth. 

Periodontal Maintenance Appointment:

On the other hand, a periodontal maintenance appointment is designed for individuals who have been diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease. This type of appointment is crucial for managing and preventing the progression of gum disease, which can lead to serious oral health issues if left untreated.

Key Components of a Periodontal Maintenance Appointment:

• Deeper Cleaning: Individuals with gum disease often require a more in-depth cleaning procedure, known as scaling and root planing. This involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots to prevent bacterial reattachment.

• Monitoring Gum Health: Periodontal maintenance appointments involve closely monitoring the health of the gums, checking for signs of inflammation, bleeding, and pocket depth changes.

• Regular Follow-ups: Unlike prophylaxis appointments, periodontal maintenance visits are scheduled at more frequent intervals, typically every three to four months, to ensure ongoing management of gum disease.

In summary, while both prophy and periodontal maintenance appointments contribute to overall oral health, they serve different purposes based on the individual’s oral health status. Regular dental check-ups, along with appropriate cleanings and treatments, are essential for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing more serious dental issues in the long run. Remember to consult with your dentist and dental hygienist to determine the most suitable dental care plan for your specific needs.

At Gillespie Dental Associates in Asheville, North Carolina, Dr. Timothy E. Gillespie and our talented dentists look forward to assisting you with all of your dental needs. We welcome you to give us a call at (828) 252-9351 to address your dental concerns or schedule a visit. Your smile will thank you!

The post Understanding the Distinction: Prophylaxis vs. Periodontal Maintenance Appointments first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

Assessing the Situation:

Prior to the actual cleaning, your hygienist will collect what we call, assessment data. He/she will do a quick intra-oral and extra-oral examination (often without you even knowing) keeping an eye out for anything suspicious such as lumps or lesions.  Any findings will be discussed with the dentist prior to their thorough oral cancer screening. The hygienist will then take any necessary radiographs. These are critical tools necessary to properly diagnose dental conditions rendering treatment such as decay, abscesses or even bone abnormalities.  Many such diseases can go undiagnosed without radiographs often leading to a worsened condition.

An assessment of your periodontal health is often next in the order of events. Your hygienist will use an instrument known as a probe to record measurements, or “pocket depths.” These readings let the hygienist know if your gums are healthy or are showing signs of gingivitis or worse, bone loss and periodontal disease.  This periodontal assessment is important in identifying the type of cleaning your hygienist will initiate.   With healthy teeth and gums, a regular cleaning will occur. When bone loss or periodontal pockets exist, a “deeper” cleaning may be necessary.  This treatment is called periodontal therapy and you might be in need of more frequent cleanings to keep these areas healthy.

Scale & Polish: 

 It’s finally time for the “cleaning!” At this point during the appointment, your hygienist works hard to remove both soft deposits (dental plaque) and hard deposits (tartar) above and below the gum line. This is incredibly important as these deposits are what lead to dental decay, periodontal disease and even loss of teeth.  Once the soft deposits harden into tarter (especially below the gum line), it is not possible to remove without proper skill and knowledge of instrumentation.  In other words, do not try this at home!

Your hygienist will also work to remove stain that may accumulate over the year from certain foods and beverages. You will then receive a polish, get your teeth flossed and VOILA! Your teeth feel smoother and your smile looks brighter!

Educator:

Your hygienist is also an educator. He/she will explain your current oral health condition and show you your radiographs or photos for visual support. They will tailor home care according to your individual needs and offer suggestions to help improve your oral health.

A Prophy is More Than Just Pretty Teeth:

Poor oral health not only affects your teeth and gums, but can also have adverse effects on your overall health and lead to complications such as:

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Certain Cancers
• Dementia
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Pulmonary Disease
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy Complications

Establish Healthy Habits:

It’s important to develop healthy oral habits now to help ensure a healthier body later.

• Brush twice daily with a soft bristle toothbrush for a full 2 minutes each time
• Floss daily
• Drink plenty of water and limit beverages loaded with sugar
• Eat a healthy diet including fruits and green, leafy vegetables
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Visit your dentist twice per year for an exam and cleaning

At your next scheduled cleaning, we hope you have a better understanding and a deeper appreciation for what your hygienist does to care for you.        

The post Back to the Basics: The Importance of a Prophy first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.