Routine Care

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually carried out by a Registered Dental Hygienist and consists of the following:

Scaling: – A procedure often has done by hand to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) from all tooth surfaces.
Root planning: – Consists of cleaning periodontal gum pockets, an indicator of gum disease, to prevent further gum problems. It is often called a gum treatment or deep cleaning.
Polishing: – A method used to remove any remaining stains and place the finishing touch on your teeth to give you a bright and beautiful smile.
Getting regular check-ups will help keep your gums and teeth healthy as well as detect early signs of disease such as gum disease, oral cancer and cavities. The best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis.

Gum disease – if your home care routine of brushing and flossing has slipped and you have skipped your regular dental cleanings, bacterial plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth. The plaque and tartar, if left untreated, may eventually cause irreparable damage to your jawbone and support structures, and could lead to tooth loss.

Dental fillings break down – fillings have a life expectancy of eight to 10 years. However, they can last 20 years or longer. When the fillings in your mouth start to break down, food and bacteria can get underneath them and can cause decay deep in the tooth.