Although it looks and sounds like a big scary word, prophylaxis is actually just the technical term for ‘prevention is better than cure’.
In dental terms, this means having your teeth cleaned regularly to prevent plaque and tartar buildup that can damage your teeth and gums.
Daily brushing and flossing is important, but regular dental checkups and cleanings are necessary to remove any built up plaque and tartar that these methods cannot reach.
Plaque and tartar build-ups can lead to:
- Gingivitis – this is when plaque builds up around the gingival tissues (the area of gums right by the teeth) and causes them to become inflamed and irritated, which can be very painful. This can eventually lead to:
- Periodontitis – when gingivitis becomes too bad, it can cause the gums to become infected, leading to tooth damage and deterioration of the jawbone around the infected area.
- Tooth loss – if periodontitis is prolonged, it can cause destruction of the gums, teeth and the affected jawbone area. Sometimes teeth can be repaired using a variety of methods, but too much damage will lead to a tooth extraction.
These are only a few examples of the immediate complications caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar. While these conditions are treatable, preventing them from happening in the first place is always better than treating them if they happen. That is why we always recommend regular dental visits to ensure plaque that is unreachable through brushing and flossing is removed during checkups.
The tools on the tray may look scary to you, but they are only there to scrape and dislodge the tartar and plaque from your teeth and around your gums. These tools remove excess food and bacteria build up that regular brushing does not.
At Modern Family Dentists LLC, we cannot overstate the importance of regular dental check-up appointments to keep your teeth clean, but we are also very aware of the fear many patients have of visiting their dentist.
We provide a variety of sedation options that can help put your mind at ease, and will always guide you through all processes to make your experience at Modern Family Dentists LLCas positive as possible.
Give us a call today to schedule your regular cleaning or to talk about sedation dentistry. Modern Family Dentists LLC offer a variety of payment plans and options, and we accept most insurance plans to help Smiles Change Outcomes.