Professional teeth cleaning

The topic of "professional tooth cleaning" has become increasingly important in recent years, which is why many patients are interested in a so-called "PZR". Nowadays, the PZR is part of a well-groomed and healthy oral hygiene. For this reason, many patients have this done regularly to ensure good oral hygiene. In this article we would like to give an overview of the topic of professional tooth cleaning and answer possible questions on this topic.

What is professional tooth cleaning (PZR)?

Under professional teeth cleaning or “PZR" can be understood the cleaning of teeth for a healthy oral hygiene, which is mainly carried out at the dentist. For several decades, the PZR has been one of the most important preventive measures for maintaining oral hygiene and holistic health of the body.

How exactly does the PZR work??

The PZR has a relatively fixed process, which can also vary from practice to practice. Before a PZR is performed, the attending physician should speak to the patient about the individual state of oral health. Any deficits and problems in oral hygiene such as Tooth necks, interdental spaces, exposed implant edges or exposed crowns are determined and the patient’s home hygiene products such as toothbrush (electric / manual), dental floss, interdental brushes, mouthwashes, fluoride-containing pastes, essential oils etc. are evaluated.

Before cleaning teeth

Before the actual tooth cleaning begins, the teeth are stained so that any deposits are made visible. In this way, it can be determined where stubborn plaque deposits or whether other teeth care is necessary. After all, the patient should not only get professional teeth cleaning, but also receive professional advice. A discussion of all details can thus ensure optimized oral hygiene at home and ensure that fewer complaints, less tartar and discolored areas will be present at the next appointment.

The process of cleaning teeth

After the discussion and staining of the teeth, the prophylactic specialist begins with the removal of the coarse deposits and the tartar. This is usually done with the help of an ultrasound device. The special ultrasound attachments that vibrate (up to 32,000 vibrations per second) crush the tartar and thereby detach it. Then the discoloration is removed by using a special air-powder water jet (English Air Flow). The powder used can, depending on requirements, consist of different grain sizes and different chemical compositions. The trend is towards the use of fine particles such as Glycine or erythrotol, as they are much gentler on the gums and hard teeth. The tooth necks are also cleaned with the same method up to 4mm below the gum level. In the next step, special, very fine brushes are used to clean the interdental spaces and teeth are polished and fluoridated.

Final teeth treatment

After cleaning the teeth, the mouth is usually disinfected using a chlorxedin solution (CHX mouthwash). In most cases, professional tooth cleaning includes all of the steps listed here, but these can of course vary from practice to practice.

How long does professional tooth cleaning take??

The duration of a PZR varies and depends on the use of equipment and the respective concept of the dental practice. In the case of a fully edentulous patient, thorough tooth cleaning usually takes around 60 minutes. In addition, some practices also offer "small" and "large" tooth cleaning. With a small PZR, not all devices are used and the course described above is shortened so that the teeth are cleaned after 30 minutes. can be completed.

How do I behave after a PZR?

As a rule, the following applies: 60 minutes after a PZR should not be eaten or drunk, so that your mouth can calm down after the procedure (your teeth and gums were finally worked on for almost an hour). In addition, on the day of the PZR you should avoid color-intensive drinks such as coffee, juice, tea and also smoking, as the teeth are more sensitive to discoloration immediately after the PZR.

Dental cleaning causes pain?

Basically, it can be said that PZR generally does not cause pain. However, there may be some circumstances that make teeth cleaning uncomfortable. The most important point is that the sensitivity to pain differs from patient to patient. Personal oral hygiene is another important point, since each patient can have different problems. A strong periodontosis or healthy teeth can be reasons for the different feeling of pain. Another point for an uncomfortable feeling during PZR can be the different pressure exerted by the prophylactic force. In such cases, simply point out to the specialist that you feel pain. Thus, the prophylaxis can take your individual needs into account.

What can I do if there is pain during the PRZ??

For patients with sensitive tooth necks, it is advisable to speak to the dentist in advance and to numb certain areas if necessary. Due to bad experiences, many patients are afraid that they may feel pain again. Therefore, speak to your dentist before professional teeth cleaning and report your concerns. This means that breaks can be taken more frequently during cleaning and sensitive or unpleasant spots can be cleaned more carefully. In addition, you can make yourself felt at any time and make it clear to the prophylactic person that you find teeth cleaning uncomfortable.

How often should teeth be cleaned??

In the case of healthy teeth, without replaced or missing teeth, a PZR should be carried out once a year. The exact intervals should, however, be determined individually by the attending physician in consultation with the patient, since the PZR is a supportive therapy for oral hygiene at home and this is crucial for oral health. However, a frequency of more than four times a year makes little sense.

Can I do a PZR at home??

Professional tooth cleaning requires specialist know-how, fine motifs and special equipment for cleaning teeth. We therefore recommend that a PZR only be carried out by a dentist or a prophylactic. Without this, there is a serious risk of injury.

Is teeth cleaning already useful for children??

From the age of 6, prophylactic measures are already part of the statutory health insurance. Staining, polishing, fluoridation and sealing of the teeth are included in this range of services. Since these measures are sufficient for cleaning children’s teeth in most cases, it is not necessary to carry out a PZR. Teeth should be cleaned in children and adolescents in the following situations:

With major deficits in oral hygiene
For upcoming or already ongoing orthodontic treatments

If there are several carious spots due to a lack of oral hygiene, professional tooth cleaning can prevent problems in adulthood at an early age.

Should teeth cleaning be carried out despite braces?

Orthodontic devices, such as fixed braces, are foreign bodies on which deposits and dirt can adhere because they are in constant contact with the teeth. When using such orthodontic tools, professional tooth cleaning should also be an integral part of therapy planning.

Do you have whiter teeth after professional teeth cleaning??

Professional tooth cleaning removes superficial plaque and almost all discoloration on the teeth. This way the teeth appear lighter and whiter.

Professional teeth cleaning makes sense?

Professional tooth cleaning is important for individual oral hygiene and contributes to a well-groomed appearance. Regular checking and cleaning of your teeth also leads to basic health of your body. A PZR is therefore also a good measure to prevent other diseases.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a PZR?

Disadvantages of a PZR:

Sensitivities during and shortly after the PZR treatment – since the PZR is a mechanical cleaning.
Slight bleeding due to irritation of the gums – especially if the gums are inflamed. This condition is due to the local inflammation in the gums. A PZR ensures that the bacteria responsible for the inflammation are removed.
Time and money from the PZR – however, many statutory health insurance companies now pay part of the treatment. Supplementary insurance and private health insurance companies sometimes even cover all of the costs.
Rarely occurring complaints / complications: So-called emphysema, i.e. air accumulation in the gums, can arise during the treatment with the air-water jet device. After 1-2 days, these complaints usually resolve on their own. For the sake of completeness, the so-called pneumorotits (air accumulation in the parotid gland) should be mentioned here. This can occur when the Air Flow device is inserted directly on the cheek where the salivary gland is located. However, such complaints require incorrect handling of the device and should not occur with a professional prophylactic.

Advantages of a PZR:

Very good preventive measure against bacterial inflammation and carious lesions in the mouth area.
Dental cleaning is a less invasive process – it doesn’t have to be drilled!
You get whiter teeth and therefore better aesthetics. That increases self-confidence!
On regular visits, anxiety patients are desensitized. In this way, fear can be reduced through positive experience when visiting the dentist.
A PZR significantly reduces the risk of the following serious diseases:

Heart attack
stroke
diabetes
pneumonia
Rheumatoid arthritis

What does a PZR cost??

The costs of professional tooth cleaning are very variable and range between 40 and 250 EUR. These price fluctuations can have the following reasons:

Staff:

Several advanced training courses are required before you can be qualified as a dental hygienist or prophylactic. These training courses are very cost-intensive and can therefore have an impact on the costs of a PZR.
The staff is regularly trained in various areas such as trained in new methods, techniques and equipment.

Apparatus / equipment:

The purchase of a high quality prophylaxis device is a big investment. The maintenance of the equipment used is expensive and ensures that the equipment can deliver a permanent and very good quality for the treatment.

Practical concept:

Does your dentist attach great importance to prophylaxis and does he / she value a sensible link between dental measures and prophylactic measures? You can see for yourself the importance of preventive dentistry in your practice:

If tooth cleaning is mentioned in a subordinate clause or you are actively informed about your current condition?
Be informed about the topic of tooth cleaning without having to ask yourself?
Are prophylaxis staff employed in practice, such as a dental prophylaxis assistant or dental hygienist? People with this training have invested a lot of time and money in their own training and are accordingly professionals who carry out a PZR at a high level.

All points from personnel, equipment up to the practice concept are included in the individual prices of a professional tooth cleaning.

Which health insurance company currently pays for a dental cleaning?

Teeth cleaning during pregnancy – what should be considered?

Teeth cleaning is recommended even during pregnancy. The hormonal change in the body can lead to pregnancy gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Bacteria accumulate below the gums. A PZR eliminates bacteria and reduces stress that can affect the body during pregnancy. The best period for a PZR during pregnancy is in the second trimester.

Teeth cleaning beforehand & afterwards – you can expect that!

In addition to the bacterial reduction and improvement of oral health, the optical aspects, such as whiter teeth, are an important point that should speak for a PZR. Many patients attach great importance to a well-groomed appearance and a beautiful dentition. With regular professional tooth cleaning you can get closer to this goal and at the same time do something good for your overall health.

Do you have any further questions about professional teeth cleaning or would you like to make an appointment? Just contact us!

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