DEEP CLEANING OR SCALING AND ROOT PLANING:

Scaling and root planing is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets, and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. Scaling and root planing is sometimes followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials, systemic antibiotics, and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.

Most periodontists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health.

REGULAR CLEANING OR PROPHYLAXIS:

When a hygienist does a regular cleaning he/she focuses in the area above the gum line. Sometimes, the cleaning may disturb the bacteria, releasing them into your bloodstream and into the rest of your body. A regular cleaning polishes your teeth, and a deep cleaning removes the bacteria colonies from your mouth.

PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCES:

Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, periodontal maintenance is what you need. Rather than just addressing the crown of your teeth as in regular cleaning, periodontal maintenances treat the tooth root, and gum.

IMPORTANT:

Nearly half of all adults in the United States over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Gum disease is a public health concern with a high increase in health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and other inflammatory diseases.

Gum disease is preventable, treatable, and most importantly maintainable. Depending on your initial diagnosis, home care, and systemic conditions, it is necessary to have cleanings every 3 to 6 months.