What is a dental cleaning
The dental plaqueTogether with bacteria, food debris and saliva, tartar or dental calculus is the hard, yellowish (or even brownish) substance that usually accumulates between our teeth, especially in the lower section. Although many people are unaware of it, once it forms, it can only be removed in the dental surgery through professional hygiene.
In fact, dental cleanings or dental hygiene are also called tartrectomies in the professional sector, as they remove the so-called tartar, which is nothing more than tartar.
Ultrasonic tooth cleaning
During a dental cleaning different instruments can be used, although the most common and effective of the instruments in use today are the ultrasound. It works in a simple way. A series of ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to a tip, causing the tartar to fall off the tooth painlessly for the patient, similar to an avalanche of snow.
It is a process that gives off heat, so it is essential to cool the tip of the instrument with water, as you will have seen if you have ever had dental hygiene performed using this technique.
It may be a somewhat annoying process if you have very inflamed gums, or if you have naturally sensitive teeth. Don't worry if this is the case, because it doesn't mean you have to suffer during your dental hygiene visits. There are many techniques available when it comes to dental hygiene, and at Vélez&Lozano we study each patient individually to offer the option that best suits their teeth according to the state of their gums, the amount of tartar or the level of dental sensitivity, among others.
Other cleaning techniques
During a dental cleaning, it is very common to combine the ultrasonic technique with the manual technique. The manual technique is carried out with instruments called curettes, which adapt to the surface of each tooth and which are used to pull the tartar. It is most common to use ultrasound in the vast majority of the mouth and reserve the use of curettes to reach areas that are difficult to access, either due to the presence of periodontal pockets, or because of the anatomy and/or position of the teeth.
Specifically, at Vélez & Lozano we carry out dental hygiene -also called prophylaxis- in the following way:
- A study of hygiene techniques used at home by the patient thanks to a special stain that allows the detection and highlighting of bacterial plaque, which will help the professional to guide the patient in brushing and other techniques and to point out areas of neglect, if any.
- What the patient usually considers the cleanliness itself: the tartar removal. As mentioned above, the most common technique is to use ultrasound for the vast majority of the process, using curettes when necessary to remove the tartar.
- The stain removal with an aeropulper and a special treatment based on bicarbonate beads that is highly effective, even on the most intense darkening caused by substances such as coffee or tobacco.
- Eventually there is a tooth polishing with a special brush and paste.
If you think it's time for a dental hygiene or cleaning, chances are that it is, so don't hesitate to contact We will be happy to arrange an appointment with the Vélez y Lozano Dental Clinic, where we will assess your case individually to choose the option that best suits you.
Call now on 968 28 46 28 or contact us through our social networks.
Author: Marina Millán Palomares