A professional dental cleaning removes bacterial film and hardened deposits, known as calculus or tartar, from tooth surfaces. The type of cleaning recommended is determined by the overall health of the gums, the presence of inflammation, and the condition of the underlying bone structure. Depending on the diagnosis, a patient may receive one of four distinct types of cleaning procedures, ranging from simple prevention to complex disease management.
Routine Preventative Care
Prophylaxis, or a “prophy,” is the standard preventive cleaning for patients with generally healthy mouths. This cleaning is appropriate for individuals who exhibit minimal plaque and calculus buildup and have no signs of active periodontal disease, such as bone loss or deep gum pockets. During a prophylaxis, the hygienist removes soft plaque and hard calculus from the crown of the tooth and just above the gum line. The goal is to maintain health by preventing buildup from causing gingivitis. This routine cleaning is recommended every six months to keep the mouth in an optimal state of health.
Initial Cleaning for Severe Buildup
When a patient has not received professional care for an extended period, Gross Debridement may be necessary. This initial cleaning is performed when visible plaque and calculus are so substantial that they obstruct the ability to complete a full diagnostic examination. Heavy deposits prevent the accurate measurement of gum pocket depths, which is required for determining periodontal health. Gross debridement involves removing large, easily accessible deposits of calculus to create a clean field for a subsequent, more detailed assessment. This procedure is a preliminary step, often followed by a standard Prophylaxis or a more involved treatment once a definitive diagnosis is made.
Treating Active Gum Disease
When an examination reveals active gum disease, characterized by inflammation, bleeding, and periodontal pockets deeper than three millimeters, the appropriate treatment is Scaling and Root Planing (SRP). Often called a “deep cleaning,” SRP is a therapeutic procedure that targets infection below the gum line. The process involves scaling, which removes plaque and calculus from the tooth surface within the deepened pocket, and root planing, which smooths the root surface. Smoothing the root eliminates microscopic rough spots where bacteria colonize, promoting the reattachment of the gum tissue. Local anesthesia is frequently administered for comfort, and the treatment may be completed over multiple appointments.
Ongoing Management After Deep Cleaning
After a patient undergoes Scaling and Root Planing, they transition into a long-term management phase known as Periodontal Maintenance. This distinct cleaning replaces routine prophylaxis because the patient has a history of gum disease and ongoing susceptibility to re-infection. Maintenance visits are scheduled more frequently, typically every three to four months, to disrupt the rapid repopulation of bacteria in the healed pockets. These appointments involve a thorough cleaning of the entire tooth surface, including deep cleaning beneath the gum line, to prevent the disease from recurring. Consistent, proactive care is essential for stabilizing the health of the gum and bone tissues, as bacterial colonies can re-establish themselves quickly.