What Are the Four Types of Dental Cleanings?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
Many patients ask me, “What are the four types of dental cleanings?” Not all cleanings are the same. The type you need depends on your gum health, the amount of buildup on your teeth, and whether you have gum disease. At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, I help each patient understand which cleaning is right for them and why.
Here are the four main types of dental cleanings:
1. Prophylaxis Cleaning (Regular Cleaning)
This is the standard cleaning most people receive every six months. It removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains above the gumline. A prophylaxis cleaning is for patients with healthy gums and no active gum disease. This type of cleaning helps prevent cavities and keeps your gums strong.
2. Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
A deep cleaning is needed when a patient has gum disease. Plaque and tartar have moved below the gumline, causing inflammation and bone loss. Scaling removes buildup under the gums, and root planing smooths the tooth root so the gums can heal. This treatment is essential for stopping gum disease from getting worse.
3. Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning
After a patient receives a deep cleaning, they often need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months. This cleaning helps keep gum disease under control by removing buildup that returns more quickly in these patients. It is more thorough than a regular cleaning but not as extensive as a deep cleaning.
4. Full Mouth Debridement
A full mouth debridement is needed when a patient has a large amount of plaque or tartar that makes it difficult to correctly examine the gums and teeth. This cleaning removes heavy buildup so we can perform a proper exam and decide if further treatment, such as a deep cleaning, is needed.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, my office is a no judgment zone. Many patients delay cleanings for years because of anxiety or embarrassment. I never criticize. My job is to help you get healthy again, no matter where you’re starting.
So, the four types of dental cleanings are regular cleanings, deep cleanings, periodontal maintenance, and full mouth debridement. Each one plays a role in keeping your smile healthy and preventing future problems.