What is the difference between a preventative cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A preventative “regular” cleaning means that you have no gum disease and minimal to moderate tarter build up. This cleaning is called a prophy. The hygienist does not have to go very deep underneath the gum line to clean. A deep cleaning “DSRP” (Deep Scale Root Planning) means that the patient has been diagnosed with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is when there is moderate to heavy tarter build-up, bone loss and gum inflammation and bleeding. In order to treat this the hygienist has to go deep down into the pockets to clean out the tarter and then smooth the roots of the teeth. This requires a lot more time and additional follow-up visits.
