Which procedure is included with an oral prophylaxis?

An oral prophylaxis, commonly referred to as a "prophy," involves a systematic process of cleaning the teeth to remove plaque, calculus, and other debris that accumulate on the surfaces. The main objectives of this procedure are both preventive and therapeutic—reducing the risk of periodontal disease and maintaining overall oral health.

The removal of calculus and debris is integral to an oral prophylaxis as it directly contributes to preventing tooth decay and gum disease. By meticulously cleaning the teeth, dental professionals help to ensure that bacteria and harmful deposits do not lead to more serious oral health issues.

In contrast, while fluoride varnish application, dental sealant placement, and periodontal disease assessment are important procedures in maintaining oral health, they are not considered part of the prophylaxis itself. Fluoride varnish is typically applied for caries prevention, sealants are used to protect tooth surfaces from decay, and assessing periodontal disease is a diagnostic step rather than a direct component of the prophylactic cleaning process. Therefore, these options do not align with the definition and purpose of an oral prophylaxis as closely as the removal of calculus and debris does.