April 24, 2024

Professional prophylaxis for healthy teeth

Daily dental care is a must to keep teeth and gums healthy. Of course, this includes regular check-ups and professional prophylaxis from your trusted dentist.

The control appointments are usually carried out every six months. This involves checking the gums, teeth and jaws. Your dentist Essen will then discuss with you which measures are necessary.

Early detection and prophylaxis

Early detection of tooth, mouth and jaw diseases are an important part of professional prophylaxis. The main goal is to provide protection against periodontal disease and caries.

Through targeted prophylaxis, pathological changes in the oral cavity can be detected at an early stage. With a professionally performed preventive care according to the latest treatment standards, jaw and dental health can thus be ensured.

What prophylaxis measures are available?

Dental prophylaxis and prevention include all preventive measures that counteract the development of diseases in the teeth and periodontium. Normal dental prophylaxis lasts between 45 minutes and 60 minutes for adults individually, and shorter for children.

Up-to-date oral hygiene

Analysis of current oral hygiene with hints and tips on the use of appropriate toothbrushes, flossing and brushing techniques (incl. Tongue cleaning). An oral hygiene plan can be very helpful in this case.

Professional teeth cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning removes tartar, discoloration and plaque from the teeth. Gum pockets and interdental spaces are also thoroughly cleaned.

Interdental spaces are often a place where bacteria accumulate and should not be neglected during daily tooth cleaning.

During check-ups and dental cleanings you will also receive important tips for optimal dental care. Professional teeth cleaning should be done once a year and cannot be replaced by daily teeth cleaning.

All prophylaxis measures are carried out with special instruments and equipment. These ensure intensive oral cavity and teeth cleaning.

Polishing and sealing of teeth

After a tooth cleaning, a rough tooth surface is often present. To prevent the formation of bacteria, the teeth are then polished smooth again with special polishing attachments and polishing paste. A protective polish should strengthen the enamel and make it more difficult for bacteria to settle again.

Possible consequences of a lack of prophylaxis

Since some areas in the dentition are more difficult to reach with a toothbrush, plaque bacteria can settle there over time. These can lead to the formation of tartar or inflammation (periodontitis). Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss or other organic diseases without treatment.

Prophylaxis for periodontitis

In many cases, periodontitis is not recognized until later and, as a disease of the periodontium, can lead to tooth loss. Bacteria in the gum pockets can attack tissue and bone.

It is important to have regular prophylaxis examinations to prevent periodontitis or to detect it in time. Early treatment can prevent tooth loss due to periodontitis.

For the treatment of gum pockets, special instruments are used to remove tartar and plaque from the gum pockets.

Costs of professional prophylaxis

The costs depend on the condition and number of your teeth. Since the costs can vary, you should clarify this beforehand with your dentist.

Public health insurance

Professional prophylaxis is not covered by health insurance. However, depending on the statutory health insurance, a subsidy can be granted once a year. Ask your health insurance company about this!

Private health insurance or supplementary dental insurance

In most cases, private health insurance or supplementary dental insurance will cover 100 percent of the costs. But also here you should inform yourself beforehand!

Conclusion

Who attaches importance to healthy and beautiful teeth, does not get around a professional prophylaxis. Often this can be ensured with regular small measures. Your dentist is the right contact for this!