Cleaning teeth from calculus and plaque: stages and new technologies

BOOK NOW Each person's oral cavity contains many bacteria - according to recent studies, there are about 200 billion different microorganisms in one gram of saliva. If homecare hygiene procedures are carried out poorly or in insufficient quantities, then the bacteria are able to actively multiply, settle on the teeth, gum tissue, and tongue in the form of plaque. If it is not promptly removed, soft plaque hardened and turns into tartar build-up, which you are not able to get rid of at home. Plaque and tartar build-up are the main reasons for the development of most diseases of the oral cavity, namely, caries, gingivitis, and their dangerous consequences. The goal of comprehensive hygiene, carried out in the dental office, is to remove plaque and calculus, from the surface of the teeth, as well as from under the gums.

Why do you need professional hygiene?

• excellent prevention of dental caries and gum disease,
• elimination of bad breath,
• painless - the doctor can use anesthesia in the form of a gel or local anesthetic solution when necessary
• it is completely safe,
• we are working - you are relaxing! A comfortable chair, pleasant music.

We use the latest technology in everything, including in the care of your teeth, prostheses, and implants. Modern equipment has made hygiene methods effective and even enjoyable - many patients compare them with a SPA procedure for teeth. While the practitioners are doing their work, you relax in a comfortable chair, listening to music.

After comprehensive oral hygiene, the condition of the gums is noticeably improved, inflammation decreases, bleeding decreases, teeth look whiter. Thus, the removal of plaque and calculus is recommended for the treatment of gum disease, as well as for the prevention of tooth decay and inflammation of the mucous membrane.

What results does professional hygiene allow to achieve?

• effective and complete removal of plaque and calculus from the surface of the teeth, from under the gums,
• elimination of the habitat of pathogenic microorganisms,
• elimination of bad breath,
• brightening of the enamel,
• removal of yellow pigment "smoker's staining",
• protection of teeth from decay, and gums from inflammation, caused by pathogenic microorganisms (contained in deposits),
• saturation of tissues with microelements through the use of fluoride varnish,
• effective enamel cleaning while wearing braces,
• extending the service life of prostheses and implants

Our patients, who regularly undergo complex cleaning of teeth from plaque and calculus, can boast of strong, snow-white teeth and healthy gums!

How is the cleaning done? 4 procedures for healthy teeth and gums

Hygiene is usually carried out in a complex - this is how you can achieve high results. These are four stages or five procedures, the purpose of which is to remove deposits, as well as restore the health of enamel and gums.

1. removal of plaque and tartar with an ultrasonic scaler and/or hand scaler,
2. cleaning the surface of the teeth and interdental spaces with an air-abrasive stream,
3. polishing the surface - it is important to achieve its smoothness so that plaque does not accumulate,
4. application of fluoride.

Stage 1: removal of soft and hard dental deposits

Benefits: effective removal of even the hardest dental calculus. This is the main method for removing calculus and plaque from the surface of the teeth, as well as from under the gums. This is the first thing a dental hygienist will do. A special device is used, which is called an ultrasonic scaler. Ultrasonic waves or micro-vibrations are delivered through a special tip, which breaks the tartar into tiny particles. At the same time, water is supplied - firstly, for cooling, so that the enamel surface does not overheat and there is no burn of the gums, and secondly, to wash out crushed pieces of plaque and tartar. The procedure is often painless, but for some patients (especially in the presence of sensitive gums) it can cause unpleasant sensations - in this case, surface anesthesia in the form of a gel is applied to the mucous membrane. Gentle removal of plaque and stone without pain! Keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come. Prevention equals smart savings! BOOK NOW

Stage 2: air-abrasive cleaning air polishing

Benefits: removal of plaque, freshness of breath, and gentle cleansing without damaging the enamel and gums After removing hard deposits, air-abrasive cleaning is carried out using the Air-Flow technology. It can be used as an independent tool, but, as a rule, with complex hygiene, it still complements ultrasonic, because it does not remove hard deposits. A special device delivers a stream of water under high pressure through the nozzle. At the same time, an abrasive powder is used, which consists of microscopic granules. The size is no more than 14 microns (micrometer). Due to this combination, effective washing of soft dental plaque is carried out both from the surface of the teeth and from under the gums, as well as from the interdental spaces, where it is extremely difficult to get with other devices and instruments. In addition, gentle cleaning of the surface of dentures, composite restorations, orthodontic structures, and even dental implants is carried out. An air polisher not only effectively removes dental plaque, but also polishes teeth. The procedure is often called "Air-Flow whitening" - this effect is achieved by cleansing the enamel, restoring its natural shine and smoothness. This is a nice addition to the hygiene complex. The powder particles are so small that they do not lead to cracks or scratches either on the enamel of living teeth or on the materials of denture crowns.

Stage 3: polishing the enamel

Benefits: the enamel becomes smooth - this is an effective protection against re-accumulation of plaque. Our teeth have a porous surface. In addition, composite restorations also gradually lose their density and become porous. It is in these micro-spaces where the smallest bacteria accumulate in. Therefore, it is important to make the enamel smooth, to level the surface of the fillings and the joints with the tissues of a living tooth. This will make it more difficult for pathogenic bacteria toattach to the teeth surfaces. The procedure is carried out after hard deposits and soft plaque have been completely removed. That is, after ultrasonic, the air-polishing procedure, as well as manual cleaning with special hand instruments, if necessary, in those places where there was a large accumulation of calculus (usually under the gums). To polish the entire surface of the teeth, special abrasive pastes are used, which are selected individually - the condition of the enamel, the quantity and quality of the installed fillings are taken into account. The paste is applied with a rubber polishing cup which the doctor gently passes over all the teeth, polishing teeth.

Stage 4: enamel strengthening

Benefits: enamel is saturated with useful microelements and becomes stronger The final stage of hygiene is fluoridation or enamel strengthening. A special protective fluoride varnish in the form of a gel is applied to the surface of the teeth, which removes the increased sensitivity of the enamel, strengthens it, forming a special film that will help protect against bacteria attack. It is not recommended to eat or drink for about 30 minutes after fluoride application to allow useful elements to saturate the enamel. NOT AN OHT’s SCOPE OF PRACTICE – PERIODONTISTS DO THIS

Features of cleaning with braces

In the presence of braces, complex cleaning is necessary, and it can be carried out even every 3-4 months. The best solution would be to remove the arch and all elastic bands/springs, but in general, hygiene can be carried out even if they are present - there are no restrictions. With braces, an ultrasonic scaler is also used to remove deposits along the gum line. From the area of the brackets themselves, plaque is removed mainly with the help of an air polisher.

Do I need to get my teeth cleaned after implant placement?

It is imperative - firstly, to preserve the result of treatment, since plaque accumulates both on the prostheses themselves and on the gums. Secondly, comprehensive hygiene, which is carried out at least once a year, will allow you to maintain the clinic's warranty obligations and save you from complications in the form of implant failure. Read more about hygiene after dental implantation in our separate article.

What is tartar and plaque?

Dental plaque and tartar are usually called a single word - "deposits". Normally, several hundred species of various microorganisms live in the human’s mouth - and this is completely normal. But under the influence of acids, in violation of metabolic processes in the body, and when home care is inadequate, pathogenic microflora begins to prevail in our oral cavity - first plaque is formed, and then tartar, which consists of bacteria.

What is the difference between plaque and tartar?

Dental plaque is a thin biofilm that forms on the surfaces of teeth and gums. It usually can be removed with a toothbrush. Tartar is hardened. It is formed when soft plaque remains undisturbed on teeth surfaces for some time and becomes mineralized. It is no longer possible to remove it on your own with any hygiene products at home - but can be removed with an ultrasonic and hand scaler by a professional.

Where can deposits be found?

It is customary to distinguish two types of deposits - supragingival and subgingival. The former is located on the surface of the teeth - and it can be both plaque and calculus. In smokers, such plaque is evenly distributed over the enamel and has a pronounced yellow color. If the cause of deposits is poor oral hygiene, then such a plaque/tartar is presented in the form of a thin rim along the gumline. Subgingival deposits, as the name implies, are located below the level of the gum - in the so-called periodontal pockets on the neck and roots of the teeth. INACCURATE FROM A SCIENTIFIC POINT OF VIEW – BETTER REMOVE THE WHOLE PARAGRAPH

Why are dental tartar and plaque dangerous?

"Fresh" plaque is invisible and does not have time to damage your teeth. But as plague and calculus grow, they become noticeable and lead to pathological processes not only in the oral cavity but also in the whole organism.

• visual disturbances: the plaque is yellow and visible to others. Your teeth change color, often the crowns appear shorter due to deposits along the gum line,
• bad breath, which occurs due to the metabolic byproducts of the microorganisms,
• caries and pulpitis, since bacteria gradually eat away the enamel, and then dentin,
• periodontitis occurs - inflammation of the periodontal tissues surrounding the dental root,
• the risk of the formation of cysts and granulomas increases, especially when the deposits "deepen" and are localized under the gum, on the roots,
• the gums become inflamed - gingivitis (gum inflammation), and then periodontitis (‘gum disease’) your gums start to recede and your teeth become wiggly. .

Remember! There is a direct link between early tooth loss and poor oral hygiene! Periodontitis and inflammation of the gums along with periodontal tissues are the main reasons why our teeth fail. It is important to remember that plaque consists of pathogenic bacteria. They enter the bloodstream via periodontal pockets and travel throughout the body.

Why does plaque accumulate on teeth?

The very first and main reason is the absence, poor-quality oral hygiene, or its omission. But there are also third-party factors that cause an increase accumulation of plaque.

• inadequate hygiene products: hard brush leads to injury to the gums and enamel,
• transition to a gentle care regimen when the first signs of inflammation of the mucous membranes appear,
• eating "sweet" foods that are rich in light carbohydrates,
• lack of solid food in the diet,
• smoking, drugs, abuse of tea and coffee,
• saliva composition,
• lack of vitamins in the body,
• malocclusion,
• general diseases: diabetes mellitus, endocrine and hormonal disorders, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
• therapy with antibacterial drugs.

Indications and contraindications for professional cleaning

Professional hygiene should be carried out at least once a year, even if you do not see any external manifestations. Deposits may be located under the gums and have not yet led to an inflammatory process. Therefore, hygiene will be the best prevention. In addition, hygiene is necessarily carried out in the presence of implants and prostheses - to maintain the healthy state of the tissues, preserve the guarantee and the result of treatment. Hygiene is also needed when wearing braces (can be done every 3-4 months).

Does the method have disadvantages?

If the teeth are cleaned by a professional, then the method has no drawbacks - the soreness after the procedure is either absent, or passes quickly, the tissues are not injured, plaque and calculus are removed very efficiently. In combination with high-quality self-hygiene, this will be an excellent prevention of many diseases of the teeth and gums.

Rehabilitation rules after comprehensive hygiene

After professional hygiene during the first day, you should stay away from discolouring drinks and foods for 3 hours. To maintain the result, it is advisable maintain good self-hygiene. To do this, you need to follow only 3 simple rules:

• Choose the right toothbrush. Your Dentist/Hygienist will recommend the most suitable option and teach you how to use it,
• choose the right toothpaste: this recommendation will be given to you by your oral health practitioner - again based on the condition of the enamel of the teeth and the health of the gums,
• regular hygiene.

Professional Dental Hygiene Packages

4 hygiene appointments* + 1 free

• includes assessment of the gums, ultrasonic and hand scaling, polishing, fluoride varnish application, and personalized advice on home care
• valid for 3 years
• can be passed on to family members
• savings - $210

$840 * The length of 1 hygiene appointment is 50 minutes; depending on the condition of your gums and the amount of deposits, more than 1 hygiene appointment may be needed to carry out a full-mouth clean (for example, in the presence of gum disease when ‘a deep clean’ is indicated). However, for most clients one 50-minute appointment is enough for a full-mouth clean.

7 hygiene appointments* + 2 free

• includes assessment of the gums, ultrasonic and hand scaling, polishing, fluoride varnish application, and personalized advice on home care
• valid for 5 years
• can be passed on to family members
• savings - $420

$1470 * The length of 1 hygiene appointment is 50 minutes; depending on the condition of your gums and the amount of deposits, more than 1 hygiene appointment may be needed to carry out a full-mouth clean (for example, in the presence of gum disease when ‘a deep clean’ is indicated). However, for most clients one 50-minute appointment is enough for a full-mouth clean.

10 hygiene appointments* + 3 free

• includes assessment of the gums, ultrasonic and hand scaling, polishing, fluoride varnish application, and personalized advice on home care
• valid for 5 years
• can be passed on to family members
• savings - $630

$2100 * The length of 1 hygiene appointment is 50 minutes; depending on the condition of your gums and the amount of deposits, more than 1 hygiene appointment may be needed to carry out a full-mouth clean (for example, in the presence of gum disease when ‘a deep clean’ is indicated). However, for most clients one 50-minute appointment is enough for a full-mouth clean. BOOK NOW