Prophylaxis vs. Scaling and Root Planing: Understanding Your Dental Cleaning

By Dr.Yohan Kim

Welcome to Madison Dental Loft and Concierge Dental Design, your homes for exceptional dental care in Midtown and Downtown NYC!

One of the most common questions we hear is, "What kind of cleaning do I need?" Not all cleanings are the same. The two main types are a standard Prophylaxis (Prophy) and a Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), also known as a deep cleaning. Choosing the right one is essential for maintaining your oral health.

Here's a breakdown of the differences between these two common procedures.

Standard Cleaning: Prophylaxis (Prophy)

A prophylaxis is the type of routine cleaning most patients receive during their six-month check-ups. It is a preventive treatment designed for patients who have healthy gums with little to no inflammation or bone loss.

Who Needs a Prophylaxis?

• Patients with generally healthy gums.
• Those who consistently practice good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, flossing daily).
• Individuals who have not had recent signs of periodontal disease.

What Does a Prophy Involve?

1. Removing Plaque and Calculus (Tartar): Your hygienist removes soft plaque and hard calculus that has built up above the gum line and just slightly below it.
2. Polishing: Your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and make the tooth surface smooth.
3. Preventive Measure: This cleaning is focused on preventing gum disease and keeping healthy gums maintained.

Key Takeaway: A Prophy is your routine maintenance cleaning to keep healthy teeth and gums.

Deep Cleaning: Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)

Scaling and Root Planing is a more intensive, therapeutic procedure performed when a patient has developed periodontal disease (gum disease). This treatment addresses inflammation and infection caused by bacterial plaque and calculus that has spread below the gum line.

Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?

• Patients diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease).
• Individuals whose gums are inflamed, bleeding easily, or receding.
• Patients with pockets between the tooth and gum that are 4 millimeters or deeper, indicating significant build-up below the gum line.

What Does SRP Involve?

SRP is typically performed over two appointments, often with local anesthesia to ensure comfort, and involves two main steps:

1. Scaling: The hygienist or dentist carefully removes all the accumulated plaque, calculus, and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and the deep pockets below the gum line.
2. Root Planing: This step involves smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth. Rough root surfaces are where bacteria love to hide. Smoothing them discourages future plaque and tartar buildup, helping the gums reattach to the tooth structure.

Key Takeaway: SRP is a treatment designed to stop the progression of gum disease and save your gums and supporting bone structure.

How Do We Determine Your Cleaning Needs?

During your comprehensive exam at Madison Dental Loft or Concierge Dental Design, your NYC dentist, Dr. Yohan Kim, and the hygiene team will use two main tools to assess your needs:

• Periodontal Probing: We gently measure the depth of the sulcus (the pocket) around each tooth. Healthy pockets are typically 1-3 mm. Pockets of 4 mm or more usually indicate the need for SRP.
• X-rays: We review your dental X-rays to check for bone loss around the roots of your teeth, a definitive sign of periodontitis.

Whether you're visiting our Midtown dental office near Grand Central or our Downtown office near the Financial District (FiDi), we tailor your care to your specific oral health condition.

Don't Wait to Treat Gum Disease!

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other systemic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. If we recommend Scaling and Root Planing, it's because it is the necessary step to stabilize your oral health.

Ready to schedule your check-up?

• Midtown NYC: Call us at Madison Dental Loft for your Prophy or SRP near Grand Central Station.
• Downtown NYC: Book your appointment at Concierge Dental Design for personalized care near FiDi.

Schedule your cleaning today to ensure a healthy smile!