Prophy vs. Perio: Why Not All Dental Cleanings Are the Same
Many people assume every dental cleaning is the same. In reality, however, there are different types of cleanings designed for different needs and levels of oral health.
As a trusted Belton, TX, dentist, Dr. Erin Kern, alongside the excellent Lakewood Dental Trails team, works to ensure every patient receives the level of care that best supports their individual oral health condition. As part of this commitment to comprehensive care, we help patients understand the difference between standard preventive cleanings and periodontal maintenance and, in turn, better understand their treatment recommendations and ...
To prevent or treat gum disease, Lakewood Dental Trails provides periodontal therapy as part of our general dental care services. Gingivitis and periodontitis affect the teeth and gums when bacteria beneath the gum line go undetected and untreated by routine brushing and flossing. Regularly scheduled exams and professional cleanings by our hygienist are essential. The effects of gum disease are often unseen until the symptoms become severe.
You may have already seen the processes of scaling and root planing. If you have had a professional deep cleaning done previously, your hygienist did a scaling and root planing treatment on your teeth. It is a non-surgical treatment that removes heavy tartar buildup from your teeth, reaching below the gum line where regular brushing and flossing will not reach. Scaling removes the plaque and tartar and root planing smooths the surfaces to prevent future buildup in your teeth and gums.