When Are Periodontal Cleanings Recommended?
If you’ve been told you need a periodontal cleaning, you might be wondering how it’s different from the standard cleaning you’re used to. While both types of cleanings aim to improve your oral health, they serve very different purposes and are used for different stages of gum health. Understanding the differences between regular cleanings and periodontal cleanings can help you stay informed and empowered when making decisions about your dental care.
What Is a Regular Cleaning?
A regular dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a preventive service typically performed every six months. This cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from above the gumline and in between the teeth. It’s designed for patients with generally healthy gums who don’t show signs of gum disease.
During a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist uses special tools to scrape away hardened plaque (tartar) from the surfaces of your teeth. Then, they polish your teeth with a gritty paste to smooth the enamel and remove surface stains. Finally, they may apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and protect against decay.
What Are Periodontal Cleanings?
Periodontal cleanings, also called scaling and root planing, are recommended for patients with gum disease. These cleanings go far beyond the surface to remove harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup from deep periodontal pockets around the teeth and below the gumline. The goal is to treat periodontitis and prevent it from progressing further.
A periodontal cleaning often involves numbing the area to keep you comfortable during the procedure. The hygienist or periodontist will clean not just the surface of the teeth but also the roots, smoothing them out to help the gums reattach and heal. Depending on the severity of the gum disease, multiple visits may be necessary, and the patient will usually need maintenance cleanings more frequently than the standard twice-a-year schedule.
How Can You Tell Which One You Need?
Your dentist will perform a full exam, including measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. Healthy gums typically have pocket depths of 1–3 millimeters. If pockets are deeper, it may be a sign of gum disease and a signal that periodontal cleanings are needed. Here’s a quick overview of how you might distinguish the two types of cleanings:
- Regular cleanings are preventive and performed on patients with no signs of gum disease.
- Periodontal cleanings are therapeutic and used to treat moderate to severe gum disease.
Signs You Might Need Periodontal Cleanings
If you’re experiencing any of the following, your dentist may recommend a periodontal cleaning:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from the teeth (recession)
- Loose or shifting teeth
These symptoms are indicators that bacteria have made their way below the gumline, damaging the tissue and bone that support your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even impact overall health.
The Periodontal Cleaning Process: What to Expect
Scaling and root planing is usually done in one or two appointments, though more may be needed if several areas of the mouth are affected. Here’s what typically happens:
- The dentist or hygienist numbs the area to keep you comfortable.
- Special tools are used to remove tartar and plaque from beneath the gumline (scaling).
- The root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed out to help your gums heal and reattach (root planing).
- A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check healing and measure pocket depth again.
After your initial treatment, you may need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months to keep gum disease from returning.
Caring for Your Gums After a Periodontal Cleaning
After a deep cleaning, your dentist will provide instructions to support healing. This may include avoiding hard or crunchy foods for a few days, using a prescribed mouth rinse, and being diligent with brushing and flossing at home. You may also be advised to come back more frequently for maintenance cleanings. If you’ve had periodontal cleanings, it’s a good idea to:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily, especially around the gumline
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended
- Keep all follow-up appointments with your dentist or periodontist
The Right Cleaning Makes All the Difference
Periodontal cleanings are not the same as regular cleanings — and for good reason. They target deeper levels of plaque and tartar buildup and are specifically designed to treat gum disease. If you’re showing signs of gum issues, a standard cleaning just isn’t enough.
At Comfort Dental, we offer both types of cleanings, and we’re here to help you understand exactly what your smile needs to stay healthy. Whether you’re due for a routine visit or suspect you may need something more, reach out today and let us help guide you to the right care.