What are the different types of cleanings?
a. A regular cleaning is the term used to describe polishing teeth. b. A prophylaxis (prophy) cleaning is when the dental hygienist uses the instrument around each tooth checking to see if any debris has formed under the gums. This can also be called root planing because the instrument is clinically touching the root. c. A periodontal disease/ deep cleaning is when the patient’s gums are in the state of moderate or advanced condition.This is when the debris called tarter or calculus has formed and extends below the gum line destroying bone and promoting infection, pus, bleeding and generally poor oral health. This condition can lead to the teeth becoming loose, need to be extracted or falling out on their own.
