William D. Parker, DDS, NNMPA
Periodontics
Santa Fe, NM
505-988-8822
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  • PATIENT INFORMATION
    • Introduction
    • First Visit
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    • Surgical Instructions
      • Pre-operative Instructions
      • Post-operative Instructions
  • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
    • About Periodontal Disease
    • The Mouth-Body Connection
    • Preventing Gum Disease
    • Oral Hygiene
    • When to See a Periodontist?
    • Women and Periodontal Health
    • Arestin
  • SERVICES
    • Dental Implant Options
      • Dental Implants
    • Treatment Methods
    • Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
    • Scaling and Root Planing
    • Bone Grafting
      • Overview
      • Jawbone Health
      • Jawbone Loss and Deterioration
      • About Bone Grafting
      • Ridge Augmentation
      • Sinus Augmentation
      • Socket Preservation
    • Bite Adjustment
    • Reduction Surgery
      • Osseous Surgery
      • Gingivectomy
      • Frenectomy
    • Gum Grafting
    • Crown Lengthening
    • Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
    • Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
    • Oral Cancer Exam
  • REFERRING DOCTORS
    • Referral Form
    • Links of Interest
  • MEET US
    • Meet Us
  • CONTACT US
    • Santa Fe
    • Los Alamos

SERVICES

  • Dental Implant Options
    • Dental Implants
  • Treatment Methods
  • Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
  • Scaling and Root Planing
  • Bone Grafting
    • Overview
    • Jawbone Health
    • Jawbone Loss and Deterioration
    • About Bone Grafting
    • Ridge Augmentation
    • Sinus Augmentation
    • Socket Preservation
  • Bite Adjustment
  • Reduction Surgery
    • Osseous Surgery
    • Gingivectomy
    • Frenectomy
  • Gum Grafting
  • Crown Lengthening
  • Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
  • Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
  • Oral Cancer Exam

Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums.  Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Prophylaxis is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease. The benefits include:

  • Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
  • A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile.  Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
  • Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath.  The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.

Prophylaxis can be performed at our office or by your general dentist. It may be beneficial to have some of your regular cleanings done in Dr. Parker's office, by our hygienists who are more familiar with the full scope of your periodontal disease. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers.  It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Parker can use to effectively halt its progression.

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Santa Fe Address: 2100 Calle de la Vuelta, Suite E-101 • Santa Fe, NM 87505 • Phone: 505-988-8822
Los Alamos Address: 2610 Trinity Drive, Suite 11 • Los Alamos, NM 87544 • Phone: 505-662-2754


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