Many people think of a teeth cleaning as just the polishing of the tooth enamel above the gum line. But bacteria can exist below the gum line, too. The type and frequency of procedure you need to address the bacteria in your mouth depends on the clinical findings of the exam and x-rays.

Prophy: Patients who just need to have their teeth cleaned above the gum line to remove cavity-causing plaque and surface stains receive a prophylaxis cleaning — the kind that most insurance companies cover. This procedure removes plaque on the teeth and at the gum line, but does not address bacteria below the gum line.

Gingivitis Therapy: Patients diagnosed with gingivitis, a reversible form of periodontal disease, may need additional services to remove plaque build-up on the teeth and just below the gum line.

Scaling & Root Planing (SRP): Patients diagnosed with active periodontal disease require treatment above and below the gum line.These patients generally receive SRP, a non-surgical treatment that removes build-up, smooths out exposed root surfaces and may include the application of localized antibiotics. SRP often takes several visits to complete and ongoing periodontal maintenance is prescribed at regular intervals afterward