Seeing our patients checking out their smiles in the mirror after a dental cleaning always tickles us. It is hard, if not impossible to beat the level of clean that your dental hygienist can achieve. However, not all patients receive the same type of dental cleaning, with some requiring a deeper cleaning. Let us explain before you feel you may be getting swindled out of the deepest clean possible. This month’s blog highlights the difference between prophy and perio cleanings.
What does “prophy” mean?
A typical dental cleaning is a dental prophylaxis or prophy in dentist-speak. This preventative cleaning is for patients with healthy gums and is typically recommended every six months. Our skilled hygienists gently polish away plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, the areas you can see and easily reach with your toothbrush. It helps keep your gums healthy and your smile sparkling. And the best part? Your insurance often recognizes its importance and frequently covers it at 100%!
What are all those numbers the hygienist calls out during my dental cleaning?
During every dental cleaning, your hygienist carefully measures the space between your teeth and gums. This is called probing. We record these measurements in your perio chart. Healthy readings are usually in the 1, 2, or 3-millimeter range. If we start seeing deeper pockets (4, 5, or even 6 millimeters), some recession likely has occurred, allowing bacteria and hard calculus deposits to sneak under the gum line. Deeper pockets are a sign of periodontitis, a bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can cause bone loss around the tooth and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Introducing perio maintenance
Perio maintenance is specifically for patients who have already undergone scaling and root planing therapy (SRP), the “deep cleaning” treatment, to address periodontitis. It is usually recommended more frequently, typically every 3 to 4 months, and is done to actively manage periodontitis. While it involves a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), your hygienist will pay special attention to select areas needed to control the bacterial infection and prevent further bone loss.
You might wonder, “How do I become a perio maintenance patient?” Well, those deeper pocket readings in your perio chart are the key indicator. If we consistently see those 4mm+ readings, it means the health of your gums requires this more intensive and frequent care to keep things stable and prevent further issues related to periodontitis and gum disease.
It’s important to know that once your gums require this deeper level of care and you become a perio maintenance patient, you’ll likely remain on this type of dental cleaning schedule. Because the need for cleaning under the gum line persists in managing periodontitis and gum disease, insurance companies typically won’t allow a switch back to a regular prophylaxis.
When it comes to insurance, you might notice a difference in coverage. A prophy is usually covered as a preventive service (often at 100%). Perio maintenance may be considered a basic or major service. If it is considered a major service, insurance may cover it at a lower percentage, such as 80% or even 50%, with the remaining balance being your responsibility. While some generous insurance plans might cover it fully, it’s always a good idea to check with your provider for the specifics of your coverage, or we can check for you. Just ask.
At Living Dental Health, our goal is to provide you with the care that’s best suited for your individual needs. Whether it’s a routine prophy to keep your healthy smile bright or dedicated perio maintenance to support your gum health and manage periodontitis, we’re here to help you with customized care with a gentle touch and, of course, clear explanations every step of the way. We believe in working together to ensure your smile stays healthy and happy for years! For more, learn why gum disease is worth caring about and revisit the dental basics. If you are due for a dental cleaning, Nicole, Sacha, and the rest of the team cannot wait to see you! Schedule an appointment today.