A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from your receive from your dentist or dental hygienist and is usually completed in less than 30 minutes. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine cleaning should include scaling, flossing, and polishing. The provider will determine which type of cleaning the patient will require. A prophylaxis (prophy) is a routine dental cleaning performed on patients with generally healthy gums or mild gingivitis. It focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains above the gumline to prevent gum disease and maintain oral health. It’s typically done during regular checkups every 6 months. Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), on the other hand, is a deeper, therapeutic cleaning used to treat periodontal (gum) disease. It involves removing plaque and tartar both above and below the gumline, then smoothing the root surfaces to help the gums reattach and reduce pocket depth. SRP is usually done in sections and may require local anesthesia.
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