SPT is a shorthand term sometimes used in dentistry for **sealant and preventive treatment** on teeth. It commonly refers to placing a **resin-based sealant or a very small preventive resin restoration** in pits and fissures. SPT is most often used on the **chewing surfaces of back teeth** (molars and premolars). Meaning and exact usage can vary by clinician and case.
supportive periodontal therapy is ongoing follow-up care after treatment for gum disease (periodontitis). It is commonly provided as scheduled “maintenance” visits in a dental office or periodontal clinic. It focuses on controlling plaque (biofilm), monitoring gum and bone health, and preventing relapse. It may also include monitoring and maintenance around dental implants.
periodontal maintenance is a scheduled dental visit focused on long-term control of gum (periodontal) disease. It is commonly recommended after active periodontal treatment, such as scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery. The visit typically includes reassessment of gum health and professional removal of plaque and hardened deposits. Its goal is to help keep periodontal disease stable and reduce the chance of recurrence.
glycine powder air polishing is a professional dental cleaning method that uses pressurized air, water, and fine glycine powder. It is designed to disrupt and remove soft deposits (biofilm) and some surface staining. It is commonly used during preventive cleanings and periodontal (gum) maintenance visits. It may be used above the gumline and, with appropriate equipment and technique, in select areas below the gumline.
polishing (perio) is tooth-surface polishing performed as part of periodontal (gum) care. It is commonly used after professional cleaning to smooth the tooth surface and help remove external stains and biofilm residue. In periodontal settings, it may be done selectively (only where needed) rather than as a routine “polish everything” step. Clinicians may use polishing pastes, rubber cups/brushes, or air-polishing powders depending on the case.
A universal curette is a hand instrument used in dental hygiene and periodontal (gum) care. It is designed to remove plaque biofilm and calculus (tartar) from both above and below the gumline. It has a rounded toe and a curved cutting edge that can adapt to many tooth surfaces. It is commonly used during professional cleanings and non-surgical periodontal therapy.
A Gracey curette is a hand-held dental instrument used to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from teeth and below the gumline. It is most commonly used in periodontal care, including professional cleanings and treatment for gum disease. Unlike “universal” scalers, a Gracey curette is area-specific, meaning different versions are designed for different tooth surfaces. It is used by dentists and dental hygienists in both routine and more advanced debridement (cleaning) appointments.
A hand scaler is a manual dental instrument used to remove plaque and hardened buildup from teeth. It is commonly used during professional cleanings and periodontal (gum) care. The clinician guides it by hand rather than using powered vibration. It is most often used along the gumline and between teeth where deposits collect.
An ultrasonic scaler is a dental instrument that uses high-frequency vibration to help remove plaque and hardened buildup from teeth. It is most commonly used during professional cleanings and periodontal (gum) therapy. The device works with a water spray to cool the tip and help flush away debris. You may encounter it in general dentistry, dental hygiene visits, and periodontal care.
debridement means removing unwanted material from teeth or oral tissues. In dentistry, it commonly refers to removing plaque, tartar (calculus), and inflamed or infected tissue. It is used in preventive care, periodontal (gum) treatment, and some surgical settings. The goal is to create a cleaner surface so tissues can heal and future treatment can be more effective.