Your first appointment at our office usually involves a thorough examination of your gums and surrounding bone. Based on the findings of this exam, it will then be determined what type of cleaning you need. A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. We offer three types of cleanings at our office: a preventative cleaning (also known as prophylaxis); a deep cleaning (periodontal scaling and root planing), and a periodontal maintenance cleaning.
A prophylaxis cleaning is a preventative cleaning that is done when there is no active periodontal infection present. A prophylaxis cleaning should be done every 6 months. Healthy gums should not bleed; bleeding is a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease. If you notice bleeding gums, you may need a deep cleaning.
A deep cleaning, or periodontal scaling and root planing, is a cleaning done below the gumline. If bacteria, plaque, or tartar are present around teeth and gum tissue, the gum pulls away from the tooth and a deep "pocket" is formed. During a deep cleaning, the bacteria, plaque, and hard deposits (tartar) on the root surface are removed to allow for reattachment of the gums to the tooth and ultimately pocket reduction. Antibiotic treatments (Arestin®) may be recommended at this time in order to promote gum healing and kill the harmful bacteria directly at the source of the infection. Deep cleanings often require more than one visit.
Following the completion of a deep cleaning, patients are placed on a maintenance program. At a maintenance cleaning appointment, the hygienist will re-examine your gum tissue and identify areas that are healing as well as areas that still display active infection. This is a cleaning with a more extensive focus on the health and redemption of your gum tissue. Maintenance programs will often require additional visits per year than the average prophylaxis patient.
