Prophylaxis (Prophy), periodontal maintenance, and scaling and root planing (SRP) are all dental procedures that focus on maintaining oral health and preventing or treating periodontal (gum) disease. Here's a brief overview of the differences between these procedures:
Prophylaxis (Prophy):
Purpose: Prophy is a preventive dental cleaning procedure aimed at maintaining good oral health and preventing the progression of gingivitis (early stage of gum disease).
Procedure: It involves the removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth surfaces. Prophy typically focuses on the removal of supra-gingival (above gum) buildup. It doesn't specifically address deep pockets or advanced bone loss associated with more severe stages of periodontal disease.
Frequency: This is typically a routine cleaning that is recommended every six months for individuals with good oral health.
Periodontal Maintenance:
Purpose: Periodontal maintenance is a follow-up treatment for patients who have undergone previous treatment for periodontal disease, such as scaling and root planing (see below) or periodontal surgery.
Procedure: Periodontal maintenance involves the removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gum-line (about 2mm below the gum-line).
Frequency: It is typically recommended at more frequent intervals, often every three to four months, to help manage and control periodontal disease.
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) - Deep Cleaning:
Purpose: SRP is specifically designed for addressing periodontal disease. It involves measuring and recording pocket depths to assess the severity of the condition. Pocket depths greater than 3mm can indicate the presence of periodontal disease. Bone loss is also evaluated through dental X-rays. The goal of SRP is to reduce pocket depths, eliminate bacterial infection, and promote healing of the gum tissues. In cases of more advanced periodontitis with significant bone loss, additional treatments or surgeries may be considered.
Procedure: SRP involves a more in-depth cleaning compared to a regular prophy. It includes scaling, which is the removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline, and root planing, which smoothes the root surfaces to promote healing and prevent the accumulation of bacteria. SRP may require local anesthesia, and it is often done in quadrants of the mouth during multiple visits.
Frequency: Scaling and root planing becomes necessary upon detecting deep pockets during a periodontal examination. If the patient effectively maintains pocket health post-initial SRPs, repetition may be unnecessary. Nevertheless, if our team observes pocket relapse, especially with depths exceeding 4mm, a reevaluation suggests the need for additional SRPs.
In summary, prophylaxis is a routine preventive cleaning, periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning for individuals with a history of periodontal disease, and scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat early to moderate stages of gum disease. Your dentist or dental hygienist will determine the appropriate treatment based on your oral health needs. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing more serious dental issues.
I hope this blog helped you understand the different types of dental cleanings!
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