Routine Dental Cleaning

Routine Dental Cleaning (Dental Prophylaxis)

A prophylaxis is a regular cleaning, meaning it is preventive dental care, the purpose of which is to keep teeth and oral tissues in a healthy state by removing calculus, plaque, and common stains. This procedure typically is performed twice a year, but individual patient needs vary, and it may be necessary more frequently for some patients. And can often be performed in the course of a regular dental appointment

Saipan SDA Clinic has four dental hygienists on staff who specializes in the prevention and treatment of oral health and disease. Our hygienist offers preventative cleanings and educational services to patients to promote and maintain good oral health.

What happens during my cleaning?

X-Rays and Perio Charting

Your hygienist will use a scaler (a small metal instrument with a bladelike end) to scrape off tartar above and below the gum line. Or he or she may use an ultrasonic vibrating device to shake loose plaque and tartar and then rinse it away with a stream of water. The dentist or hygienist will then polish the teeth with a lightly abrasive paste and finish up with a flossing. The now-smooth tooth surfaces make it more difficult for plaque to accumulate before the next cleaning

Examining your teeth

After your teeth are clean, your dentist will examine them for signs of decay, using a metal probe and a small mirror with an angled handle. He or she will check for gum swelling and redness and measure the depth of the gingival pockets. Swelling, redness, and deep pockets are all signs of gum disease. Your dentist will test how your upper and lower teeth come together and will look for evidence of tooth grinding or problems with the temporomandibular joint (which connects the lower jaw to the skull). He or she should also examine your neck, lymph glands, palate, and the soft tissues of your mouth (cheeks, tongue, lips, and floor of the mouth) for signs of infection or oral cancer, especially if you are age 35 or older