Dental prophylaxis

Prophylaxis — the highest-ROI investment in dental health

Dental prophylaxis is the most cost-effective dental procedure. Scaling every 6 months costs as much as one or two fillings — but prevents dozens of subsequent treatments. Prevention always costs less than treatment.

What a complete prophylaxis session includes

1. Complete clinical examination

We check each tooth, the state of the gums, the occlusion, the oral mucosa. We detect incipient cavities that can still be treated conservatively (without significant drilling).

2. Ultrasonic scaling

Ultrasonic vibration + water irrigation removes mineralised tartar above and below the gum that doesn’t come off with brushing. Essential treatment, painless, 15-25 minutes.

3. Air-flow (bicarbonate jet cleaning)

Fine jet of powder (bicarbonate or glycine) + water + air lifts stains from enamel — coffee, tea, wine, tobacco. Much more effective and gentler than classic scaling for surface stains. Leaves enamel slightly shinier.

4. Professional polishing

With rubber cups and fine paste — we polish dental surfaces for a smooth finish (plaque adheres more difficultly to a shiny surface).

5. Fluoride application

Local application of high-concentration fluoride gel — remineralises enamel, strengthens teeth, reduces sensitivity. Standard for children and patients with cariogenic risk.

6. Sealants (as needed)

For teeth with deep occlusal grooves (especially in children) we apply a fluid resin that seals the grooves and prevents bacterial buildup.

7. Personalised hygiene instruction

Proper brushing technique (modified Bass), use of floss or interdental brushes, recommendation for toothpaste suitable for your case.

How often we recommend prophylaxis

Difference between scaling, air-flow, and polishing

They’re complementary, not competing:

• Scaling — attacks mineralised tartar (hard deposit)
• Air-flow — attacks stains and soft plaque (recent deposit)
• Professional polishing — finishes the surface after the first two

A complete session usually includes all three, in this order.

Benefits of regular prophylaxis

• Prevents cavities — bacterial plaque is the main cariogenic factor
• Prevents periodontitis — healthy gums = teeth that hold long-term
• Detects problems early — a cavity detected at 1mm is treated with one filling, a neglected one leads to root canal or extraction
• Fresh breath — no tartar, no anaerobic bacteria = no halitosis
• Aesthetics — no stains on teeth
• Savings — 1 prophylaxis session/year = ~350 RON; one forgotten crown = 1,500-2,000 RON

Home oral hygiene — the essential complement

In-office prophylaxis doesn’t replace daily hygiene. We recommend:

Brushing — the basics

• Twice a day, minimum 2 minutes (morning and evening)
• Brush with soft or medium bristles, NOT hard
• Modified Bass technique — 45° to the gum, short movements
• Electric toothbrush (sonic or oscillating) — 20-30% more effective

Flossing

• Once a day, ideally in the evening
• 90% of interdental cavities appear where the brush doesn’t reach
• For larger spaces: interdental brushes instead of floss

Mouthwash

• Complementary, not substitute for brushing
• With fluoride, no alcohol
• After brushing — but not immediately after fluoride paste

Diet

• Limit sugars, especially between meals (frequent snacks = continuous acid attack)
• Drink water after coffee/coloured drinks
• Don’t use teeth as tools (opening bottles, breaking threads)

Prophylaxis for children — the right start

We recommend the first visit at age 1 (even if they only have a few baby teeth). At ages 6-12 we apply:

• Sealants on new permanent molars
• Topical fluoride every 6 months
• Brushing education (with plaque-revealing tablet)
• Incipient orthodontic monitoring

Booking a prophylaxis appointment

A complete session (scaling + air-flow + polishing + fluoride) takes 60-75 minutes. Patients with medical insurance coverage may benefit partially. We’re also happy to welcome children — gentle approach, no pressure.