Types of Dental Cleanings and Periodontal Maintenance
The type of professional cleaning recommended depends on gum health and whether periodontal disease is present.
Routine prophylaxis
A routine preventive cleaning is generally used for patients without active periodontitis who need plaque, calculus, and stain removal.
Scaling and root planing
When periodontitis is diagnosed, deeper nonsurgical periodontal treatment may be used to remove deposits from root surfaces and disrupt bacterial biofilm.
Periodontal maintenance
After periodontal therapy, ongoing maintenance at a prescribed interval may be recommended to monitor and control the disease.
This article is general dental education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have pain, swelling, trauma, or another concern, contact a dental or medical professional as appropriate.
