German Dental Clinic
German Dental Clinic

Prophylaxis


What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on our teeth. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease, and can harden into tartar if not removed daily.

 

What is Tartar?

Tartar, sometimes called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. Tartar can also form over and underneath the gumline and can irritate the gum tissues.

 

Gingivitis

This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. If this ocurred, a Periodontal treatment would be needed.

 

Professional Tooth Cleaning

This treatment consists of a very thorough dental cleaning and polishing of the teeth. First, we clean around the teeth with an ultrasound to remove the plaque and the tartar, and then we polish them with a special device (airflow®) of salt water and pressure containing various minerals. This will remove all the stains and spots from your teeth. This will treat the gingival inflammation, but it is important to keep the teeth clean to prevent future infection.

Normally, a cleaning is necessary once a year. In some cases, if the problem continues, you should come every 3-6 months.

 

Fissure Sealing

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied on the surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. Sealants protect these surfaces from tooth decay by preventing germs and food particles from depositing on the fissures.

 

Advanced fissure Sealing

Same as the sealing except advanced fissure sealing is done when decay has already appeared on the tooth and needs to be removed. Once eliminated, the sealing can be applied.