A dental cleaning is the second part of routine dental care and is essential for the health of your teeth. Tartar cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing, so the dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove the tartar and clean the teeth. During a cleaning, you may have a fluoride application, children may have sealants applied, and tooth stains can be treated. If your dental care at home is not keeping up with plaque, you may receive education and instruction on how to better care for your teeth.
If your dental exams show signs of gum or periodontal disease, the dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. This procedure is known as scaling and root planing. This method of cleaning focuses on the tartar buildup on the surface of the teeth as well as in the deep pocket between the tooth and gums. This can be performed with manual or ultrasonic instruments. In most cases, a deep cleaning will require more than one appointment.