The prophylaxis of the 21st century? Gentle, pleasant and effective

Professional teeth cleaning (PZR) is a thorough cleaning with special instruments that aims to remove all harmful or aesthetically unpleasant deposits from the tooth surfaces. This can effectively prevent tooth decay and periodontitis while improving the appearance of the teeth. In addition, the reduction of bacteria contributes significantly to the prevention and supportive treatment of general health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases (such as COPD), gastrointestinal diseases and can even help to prevent premature births.

A comprehensive examination of the oral cavity and dental system is carried out at the beginning of a professional dental cleaning. In particular, the oral hygiene situation as well as existing deposits and bleeding gums are documented. The type and extent of the plaque detected, particularly in areas such as misaligned teeth or dentures, as well as the presence of incipient or deep gum pockets, influence the further procedure during the PZR.

Various devices and instruments are used during professional tooth cleaning (PZR). Sonic vibrations, a powder-water spray and the use of hand instruments are used to gently remove plaque from the tooth and accessible tooth root surfaces and the spaces between the teeth. Protruding edges of crowns or fillings are also removed and polished.

A subsequent polish removes any rough spots so that the teeth are shiny and smooth, which makes the formation of new plaque more difficult.

As part of the PZR, our patients also receive valuable tips on how to improve their oral hygiene at home. This includes the correct use of the toothbrush, the use of dental floss and/or interdental brushes, the use of a tongue cleaner if necessary and the use of fluorides at home.

The time required for a prophylactic session with PZR depends on the number of teeth to be treated, the plaque situation and the choice of equipment and instruments used. As a rule, a session for adults takes about one hour.

Half-yearly appointments for prophylactic care are usual if there is a low risk of caries or periodontitis and a low tendency to hard and soft plaque. However, in the presence of gum pockets, unfavourable oral hygiene conditions or a strong tendency towards mineralized deposits or discoloration, it may be advisable or even necessary to schedule more frequent intervals.

General illnesses such as diabetes, regular use of medication or stressful life situations can also affect oral health and increase the need for more frequent teeth cleaning.

The dentist will therefore recommend a suitable time interval based on the individual risk. Regular visits to the dentist, combined with a dental check-up and good oral hygiene at home, ensure that teeth and gums remain healthy and functional in the long term.