What is the difference between these types of cleanings?
Routine Prophylaxis: "This cleaning is for patients whose oral health is classified as more on the 'healthy' side. These patients have minimal buildup, healthy tissues and healthy supporting bone around the teeth."
Scaling in the Presence of Inflammation: "This is for patients who have gingivitis - inflammation of the gingiva (gum tissue) and mild-moderate buildup on their teeth, yet they still have good supporting bone around the teeth."
Scaling & Root Planing (A.K.A. "Deep Cleaning"): "This is for patients who have active bone loss evidenced by x-rays and periodontal charting - measurements taken between the teeth and gum tissue to determine clinical attachment loss around the teeth. These patients can have mild - heavy buildup on the roots of their teeth. This cleaning usually involves the administration of local anesthetic to maximize patient comfort."
Periodontal Maintenance: "This is a 3 month recare (routine) cleaning for patients who have had 'scaling and root planing' (a deep cleaning) completed. The purpose of this cleaning is to help maintain the existing bone level by minimizing the bad bacteria associated with periodontal disease through more frequent dental cleanings performed specifically to prevent any additional bone loss."
