There are four types of dental cleaning: prophylaxis (prophy), scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, and full debridement. At Rocktown Family Dental Care, we tailor the type of dental cleaning to meet your unique needs.
4 Types of Dental Cleanings
- Prophylaxis — Also called a “prophy,” this routine preventive cleaning helps you maintain your oral health. During a prophy, our hygienist checks for signs of gum disease and removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains. We recommend this cleaning for those who want to maintain their healthy smile.
- Scaling and root planing — If you have gum disease and pockets around your teeth, we might recommend scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning where our hygienist gently clears plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline (scaling) and smooths root surfaces (planing) to help gums reattach to the teeth.
- Periodontal maintenance — If you have had gum disease treatment, a maintenance cleaning is a crucial follow-up. This customized cleaning helps ensure your gums remain healthy and reduces the risk of recurring periodontal disease.
- Full debridement — We recommend this procedure for those who haven't had a cleaning for an extended period. By clearing away significant plaque and tartar buildup, we can more accurately evaluate your oral health and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Which Dental Cleaning Is Right for Me?
Dr. Anderson will carefully evaluate your gum health and explain the type of cleaning she recommends to help you maintain optimal oral health. If you have gum disease, she and our hygienists will work with you to create a plan to treat it and restore your gums to full health.
Please call our friendly Harrisonburg, VA, dental office to schedule an appointment.