Professional
Teeth Cleaning

Professional Teeth Cleaning (PZR) is the cornerstone of modern preventive dentistry and the single most effective measure for the long-term maintenance of your dental health. Even those who brush conscientiously every day and use dental floss or interdental brushes cannot adequately reach certain areas of the mouth. Bacterial deposits (biofilm), mineralised tartar and stubborn stains from coffee, tea or red wine can only be removed by a professional cleaning carried out by trained dental staff – gently, thoroughly and with lasting results. At our practice in Gelnhausen, we offer PZR at the highest standard.

What is Professional Teeth Cleaning – and why is home care alone not enough?

A thin, initially soft bacterial film – known as biofilm or plaque – forms in the mouth every day. This is the root cause of virtually all dental disease: cavities, periodontitis and gum inflammation develop when bacteria in the biofilm multiply unchecked and produce harmful metabolic by-products. Fresh biofilm can be removed well at home – but in the spaces between teeth, in periodontal pockets, on the tongue-side of lower front teeth or below the gum line, deposits accumulate that cannot be reached, or can only be partially reached, with a toothbrush and floss.

Within just a few days, soft plaque mineralises into hard tartar – and once formed, it cannot be removed without professional instruments. Tartar provides an ideal surface for further bacterial adhesion and significantly promotes the progression of gum disease. PZR breaks this cycle: it removes both soft deposits and hard tartar above and below the gum line, polishes the tooth surfaces and then seals them with fluoride varnish – for maximum protection until the next cleaning.

The PZR Session Step by Step: Brilliantly Clean Teeth

A professional teeth cleaning at our practice takes between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the condition of your teeth and your individual needs. Every session begins with a careful clinical assessment: we check the inflammatory status of the gums, measure periodontal pocket depths and document any changes compared to previous findings. This gives both you and us an up-to-date overview of your oral hygiene status at all times and allows the cleaning to be targeted precisely at your individual problem areas.

• Clinical assessment and periodontal status: Measurement of pocket depths, assessment of gum inflammation and bleeding tendency (BHI/PSI)
• Tartar removal (Scaling): Gentle but thorough removal of hard tartar above and below the gum line using ultrasonic devices and hand instruments
• Biofilm removal: Removal of soft deposits and plaque from all interdental spaces, periodontal pockets and hard-to-reach areas
• Air-flow treatment: Gentle removal of stains and surface deposits using the powder-jet device (Air-flow) – gentle on tooth enamel and gums
• Polishing: High-gloss polish of all tooth surfaces with rotating rubber cups and fine polishing paste – smooth surfaces significantly impede the re-adhesion of bacteria
• Fluoridation: Application of a high-concentration fluoride varnish or gel for remineralisation of the tooth enamel and as active caries protection
• Individual oral hygiene counselling: Personal guidance on optimal home care – brushing technique, dental floss, interdental brushes, mouth rinses – tailored to your clinical findings

Why is PZR so important? – Prevention rather than repair

The significance of regular professional teeth cleanings can hardly be overstated. Scientific studies clearly demonstrate that patients who attend PZR regularly lose significantly fewer teeth over the course of their lifetime, develop periodontitis less often and require considerably fewer complex dental treatments. PZR is therefore not only a contribution to oral health but, in the long term, also the financially wiser decision compared to costly fillings, crowns or implants.

There is also increasing robust evidence for the link between oral and general health: chronic inflammation in the oral cavity, as occurs with untreated periodontitis, has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications and premature birth. Regular PZR is therefore not just dental medicine – it is an active contribution to your overall health.

Recommendation, Frequency and Cost Reimbursement

For most patients, we recommend professional teeth cleaning once or twice a year. Those with an elevated risk of cavities or periodontitis – for example due to smoking, diabetes, dry mouth (xerostomia) or crowded teeth – benefit from a cleaning every three to four months. The same applies to patients with implants, bridges or fixed orthodontic appliances, for whom home cleaning is particularly demanding.

PZR is a private health service (IGeL) and is generally not covered, or only partially covered, by statutory health insurance. Many supplementary private dental insurance policies, however, cover part or even the entire cost. We are happy to advise you on the fees involved and on possibilities for reimbursement through your health insurance or supplementary insurance.

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