Your Brooklyn teeth cleaning appointment will include the following:
Removal of dental calculus (tartar):
Dental calculus, (called also tartar) a hard, stonelike concretion, that develops on the teeth or dental prostheses through calcification of dental plaque; it begins as a yellowish film of calcium phosphate and carbonate, food particles, and other organic matter that is deposited on the teeth by the saliva. It should be removed regularly by a dentist or dental hygienist; if neglected, it can cause bacteria to lodge between the gums and the teeth, causing gum infection, dental caries, loosening of the teeth, and other disorders. Calculus builds above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
Removal of teeth plaque:
Dental plaque, a dense, nonmineralized, highly organized biofilm of microbes, organic and inorganic material derived from the saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, and bacterial byproducts. It plays an important etiologic role in the development of dental caries and periodontal and gingival diseases; calcified plaque forms dental calculus! Prophylaxis procedure (covered by dental insurance) include teeth polishing with prophylaxis paste.
Dental rophylaxis Pastes: Different compounds have been used to clean teeth since 400 BC. The active and primary ingredient of prophy paste is a solid particle referred to in modern formulations as the “abrasive.”
Modern abrasives:
Aluminum Oxide, Zirconium silicate, Alpha alumina trihydrate, Titanium dioxide, Sodium alumino silicate. (not a complete list)
The optimal degree of abrasion required to clean tooth surfaces (while not removing tooth structure) is difficult to calculate. In fact, there is a significant variation among individuals as to the degree of abrasivity needed to remove dental stains. Professional products have been categorized as fine, medium, or coarse; yet, there are no standards to define what these terms mean. One manufacturer’s fine prophylaxis paste may be more abrasive than another manufacturer’s medium paste. Likewise, one manufacturer’s fine paste may have a very different degree of abrasion than another manufacturer’s fine paste even if they have similar labels and contain the same abrasives. It is the responsibility of the dental professional to evaluate and select products for patients based on experience and the review of research literature.