ADA Accessibility Information
Accessibility

A
A

A
Providing you and your family with the highest level of dental care

The Different Types Of Dental Cleanings


Posted on 5/9/2022 by Thomas Mahar
The Different Types Of Dental CleaningsA dentist may recommend different kinds of dental cleanings depending on the status of your teeth, any dental health problems you may have, and how long it has taken you since the last time you visited a dental office. Some of the cleanings types are:

Prophylaxis Cleanings


As a standard preventive measure, a prophylaxis cleaning involves the inspection of the mouth for potential problems and thorough cleaning of the teeth. The procedure begins with a medical history to help determine if you have developed any recent changes in your health, for instance, pregnancy or a new diagnosis. During the cleaning procedure, a dentist may take X-rays to check the teeth for problems that might not be seen with naked eyes, for example, micro-cavities. A dentist also performs a periodontal probing to determine the depth of gum pockets. Finally, the dentist cleans the gums and teeth to ward off plaque and tartar from the teeth as well as below the gumline.

Scaling and Root Planing


This is a type of deep cleaning involving the removal of tartar and plaque stuck below or above the gum line. It is a restorative dental procedure unlike prophylaxis, which is a dental preventive procedure. Scaling and root planing treatment is recommended if your gums, bones, and surrounding tissues are damaged by periodontal disease. The procedure may cause some discomfort, so local anesthesia is administered. A dentist then performs subgingival scaling to eradicate plaque and calculus, also known as tartar, from between the gums, beneath the gum tissue, and on the bottom of the teeth crowns.

Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings


Although similar to traditional cleanings, periodontal maintenance cleanings go further to involve a more thorough approach. Periodontal maintenance often addresses existing problems such as gum disease. A dentist removes plaque and tartar the way he or she does when performing a traditional dental cleaning. The specialist cleans the areas between teeth all the way down to the gums, meaning that scaling and root planing are incorporated in the procedure. Additionally, the dentist examines the gum pockets too if there is inflammation or infection. An antiseptic may be used to flush out the area.

Gross Debridement Cleanings


The gross removal of tartar and plaque is referred to as a debridement cleaning. This procedure is done if the dentist feels that his or her ability to do a comprehensive oral exam is impaired by plaque and tartar. The procedure often takes more time and effort compared to the typical six-month cleaning. Anesthesia is also administered. The exposed areas are cleaned and the roots scaled. Contact us for your dental cleanings. Book your appointment.


image of art2 cta1

Dental Implants

One of the most comprehensive ways of repairing gaps in your teeth is with dental implants. Implants are an ideal solution if you are missing a single tooth or all of your teeth
Learn More
image of art2 cta2

Family Dentistry

At Mahar Dental, our priority is helping you and your family be proactive about your dental hygiene. With our expert team you can be sure that you’ll get the best cleanings, exams, and other care available.Learn More
image of art2 cta3

Invisible Aligners

If you are trying to figure out a way to get straighter teeth but do not like the idea of traditional braces, then you may want to give Mahar Dental a call and let us help you with invisible aligners.Learn More

Dr. Mahar
Thomas F. Mahar, DDS
Dr. Mahar maintains a commitment to excellence in dentistry. He believes that each patient should receive the highest level of dental care and customer service.

Dr. Mahar has received advanced training in several areas of dentistry with an emphasis on aesthetic dentistry.

Read More about Dr. Mahar

What our patients are saying about us!



01
Absolutely the best!
"This office is absolutely the best! Everyone on the staff, from the front desk to the hygienists, has been most welcoming, friendly and warm! Dr. Mahar is very professional, proficient, and does amazing work! We feel very lucky to have found Dr Mahar as our family’s dentist!" ~ Erin

02
Highly recommended
"This office is great ! Everyone at the office is wonderful. When my entire family goes for their visits we are always treated extremely well. A top notch experience all the way around. Highly recommended." ~ Matthew

03
The best dentist around
"Dr Mahar is a wonderful dentist. He is kind, caring and compassionate. He has been my dentist for over 25 years and I would never go anywhere else. His staff is amazing..Molly has been my hygienist for years, she is very competent and professional and also takes a personal interest in each patient. Suzanne is great! She knows everyone by their first name and always makes me feel very comfortable with her sense of humor and friendliness. Dr Mahar is absolutely the best dentist around! My family is also very pleased and proud to call Dr Mahar their dentist as well." ~ Karen

READ AND WRITE REVIEWS


Smiling mother and daughter


Copyright © 2014-2025 Mahar Dental and WEO Media (Touchpoint Communications LLC). All rights reserved.  Sitemap
Cosmetic Dentist North Syracuse | Mahar Dental
Mahar Dental Specializes In the Latest In Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry & Clear Aligners In North Syracuse. We are Committed to Offering Comprehensive Dental Care
Mahar Dental, 135 Sand Rd, North Syracuse, NY 13212 ~ (315) 766-2770 ~ mahardental.com ~ 6/15/2025 ~ Page Phrases: dentist, dentist north syracuse ny, Thomas F Mahar DDS