Prophy is short for “prophylaxis,” a medical term used to describe any treatment which prevents a disease from occurring. In the dental community when we say “prophy” we mean “dental prophylaxis,” a simple cleaning procedure for healthy patients designed to prevent gum disease.
Do hygienists do Prophys?
Many hygienists perform exactly the same procedures for a prophylaxis as they do for periodontal maintenance. It’s only natural for patients to balk at paying higher fees when there doesn’t seem to be any difference between a periodontal maintenance appointment and a prophylaxis appointment.
What is the difference between prophy and perio maintenance?
While standard prophylaxis cleans the crowns of your teeth above your gumline, periodontal maintenance goes a little deeper, slightly below the gumline, since you are more susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup based on your past history of gum disease.
What is a prophy brush?
These Prophy Brushes and Cups are used for polishing and removal of heavy stains. Keystone Industries offers standard or pointed latch type to fit all your needs. The brushes and cups are made of fine nylon bristles assembled to prevent the possibility of pulling out bristles.
What is prophy paste?
Prophy paste is a paste containing mild abrasives, used to remove dental plaque and external stains. Prophylaxis paste is used to polish teeth to reduce further retention of plaque. Dental paste contains a mixture of cleaning and polishing particles. It is professionally used during dental hygiene procedures.
Can hygienist work without dentist in NY?
Under general supervision, dental hygienists provide services without the onsite presence of a dentist as long as the dentist is available for consultation, diagnosis, and evaluation.
Can I see a hygienist without seeing a dentist?
Dental hygienists and dental therapists can carry out their full scope of practice without prescription and without the patient having to see a dentist first. The only exception to this is toothwhitening, which must still be carried out on prescription from a dentist.
What is the main cause of periodontal disease?
Overview. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.
Do I have periodontal disease forever?
Instead, you will require special ongoing gum and bone care procedures, known as Periodontal Maintenance Therapy, to keep the disease under control and keep your mouth healthy. In most cases, Periodontal Disease is a lifelong disease that never goes away.
Can periodontitis be cured?
Periodontitis can only be treated but cannot be cured. Gingivitis, on the other hand, can be prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist for checkups and exams.
Can you get an infection from a periodontal cleaning?
You may need to take antibiotics
If your immune system is compromised, you might have to take an antibiotic for a few days. That’s because there’s a risk of infection after the procedure. In addition, deep dental cleanings can sometimes release bacteria into the bloodstream.
What is a deep cleaning by the periodontist?
A dental deep cleaning – also called periodontal scaling and root planning – is like a traditional cleaning but focuses on the outer surface of the roots and below your gum line. This special cleaning is needed when tartar buildup has caused an infection in the gums.
What is perio maintenance?
Unlike a normal, preventative cleaning, periodontal maintenance is a treatment prescribed to combat periodontal disease. It involves both scaling and root planing, meaning tartar must be removed from deep between the teeth and gums.
How is sealant applied to teeth?
The tooth is cleaned and a gel may be placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. The tooth is then rinsed and dried. Next, the sealant is painted on the tooth. The dentist or dental hygienist also may shine a light on the tooth to help harden the sealant to form a protective shield.
When do you use a prophy brush?
They are ideal for severe periodontal or gingivitis cases and are excellent to use when performing scale and polish on patients with pregnancy gingivitis. Our bristle brushes are also available in our new Klinipac dispensing system.
What is a prophy angle?
Prophy angles are used to apply prophy paste to a patient’s teeth during a routine hygiene appointment. These small handpiece heads are designed to work with dental hygiene handpieces and feature a rotating cup at the tip.
