Type of Cleanings

There is quite a bit of confusion surrounding the generic term “teeth cleaning”. We feel the reason is that nobody fits into a distinct procedure category. Our patients come to us reporting having had “deep cleanings” or “gum scraping”. Others have had nothing done but their teeth polished. Some have a history of periodontal therapy.

In a vast majority of cases, most don’t know why the treatments were done in the first place. Our commitment is this:

• We will identify any and all oral disease conditions
• Inform our patients of  their existence and severity
• Discuss and formulate a course of action to eliminate the causative agents.

Most of our patients benefit from our routine cleaning with an emphasis on proper home care especially flossing (we know it’s hard!) and proper brushing technique.

Certainly, some of our patients need more intensive therapies including ultrasonic removal of heavy build-up, fluoride treatments, laser assisted gum therapy and treatment of isolated periodontal pockets. We also work closely with periodontal specialists should the need ever arise.

The real message is that there is not, in our opinion, a one size fits all program to address the variety of oral health needs. In treating any oral disease state, people need to know their condition, have options for treatment presented and decide how to best eliminate the problem.