About Prophylaxis
Key Highlights
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Effectively removes plaque and tartar that regular brushing cannot.Prevents the onset and progression of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).Helps prevent tooth decay and cavities by eliminating bacterial deposits.Polishes teeth to remove surface stains, resulting in a brighter smile.Includes a professional oral examination to detect early signs of problems.Contributes to better overall health by reducing oral inflammation.liNon-invasive, painless, and typically completed in a single, short visit./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Routine preventive care for all adults and children (typically every 6 months).
- Presence of visible plaque or tartar (calculus) buildup on teeth.
- Early signs of gingivitis, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
- Patients with a history of periodontal disease requiring maintenance therapy.
- Individuals with orthodontic appliances (braces) that make cleaning difficult.
- Patients with medical conditions like diabetes that increase risk of oral infections.
- Before certain dental procedures to ensure a clean operative field.
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis) caused by bacterial buildup.
How to prepare
- Maintain your regular oral hygiene routine (brushing and flossing) before your appointment.
- Inform your dentist about any medical conditions, medications, or allergies.
- Discuss any history of heart conditions, joint replacements, or pregnancy, as antibiotic premedication may be required.
- Arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.
- No special dietary restrictions are typically required before a routine cleaning.
Risks & possible complications
- Temporary tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, especially if there was significant tartar removal.
- Minor gum soreness or slight bleeding immediately after the procedure.
- Rare risk of infection, though the procedure is designed to prevent it.
- In very rare cases, damage to dental work like crowns or veneers during scaling.
- Possible irritation from the polishing paste or instruments.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You can resume normal activities and diet immediately after the procedure.
- Teeth and gums may feel sensitive for a day or two; using a sensitivity toothpaste can help.
- Continue with gentle but thorough brushing and flossing as usual.
- Avoid extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks if sensitivity is present.
- Use any prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.
- Schedule your next routine prophylaxis appointment, usually in 6 months.
- Contact your dentist if you experience prolonged pain, significant bleeding, or signs of infection.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 0-1 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering prophylaxis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with dental surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform prophylaxis. MediFyr helps you compare dental surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for prophylaxis compare across other countries where we have data.
Reyansh Brown is a 28-year-old software...
Reyansh Brown is a 28-year-old software engineer who has always been diligent about his health but neglected his dental care due to a demanding work schedule and a mild, childhood-rooted anxiety about dental visits. He began noticing persistent bad breath and occasional bleeding when he brushed his teeth. During a routine check-up, his dentist, Dr. Alvarez, found significant plaque and tartar buildup, along with early signs of gingivitis. Dr. Alvarez recommended a professional prophylaxis (dental cleaning) to remove the buildup, prevent gum disease from progressing, and serve as a fresh start for better at-home care. During the procedure, the dental hygienist was gentle and explained each step, which helped calm Reyansh's nerves. He felt some pressure and minor discomfort but no pain. Immediately after, his mouth felt incredibly clean and fresh. Within days, the bleeding stopped, and his breath improved. Emotionally, Reyansh moved from feeling anxious and somewhat embarrassed about his neglected teeth to feeling empowered and relieved. The positive experience motivated him to schedule regular cleanings and improve his daily oral hygiene routine.
Dental surgeons for Prophylaxis
Explore experienced dental surgeons who regularly perform prophylaxis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 24 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 24 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 15 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
- 4 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 23 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 21 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 7 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata