Understanding the Differences Between Prophy and Perio Maintenance
Maintaining excellent oral health involves more than just brushing and flossing regularly; it also requires professional dental care. Many people are familiar with routine dental cleanings, but there are different types of maintenance appointments tailored to specific dental needs. In the realm of preventive dentistry, two essential procedures stand out: prophylaxis (prophy) and periodontal maintenance (perio maintenance). Understanding the differences between these two services is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.
Prophy: A Standard Cleaning
Prophylaxis, commonly referred to as a prophy, is a standard dental cleaning procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist. This cleaning is recommended for individuals with healthy gums and minimal plaque buildup. Prophy appointments typically occur every six months, although the frequency may vary based on individual oral health needs.
During a prophy appointment, the dental professional will:
Remove Plaque and Tartar: Using specialized instruments, the dental hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, while tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing.
Polish Teeth: After removing plaque and tartar, the dental professional will polish the teeth to remove surface stains and create a smooth, shiny surface.
Fluoride Treatment: In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen the tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay.
Overall, prophylaxis is designed to maintain oral health and prevent the development of gum disease and tooth decay in individuals with healthy gums.
Perio Maintenance: Targeted Care for Periodontal Health
Periodontal maintenance, often referred to as perio maintenance, is a specialized cleaning procedure designed for individuals with gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Unlike a standard cleaning, perio maintenance is tailored to address the specific needs of patients with gum disease and may be recommended following periodontal treatment such as scaling and root planing (also referred to as SRP or a Deep Cleaning).
During a perio maintenance appointment, the dental professional will:
Evaluate Gum Health: The dental hygienist or dentist will assess the health of the gums and measure periodontal pockets, which are spaces between the gums and teeth that can harbor bacteria and contribute to gum disease.
Remove Plaque and Tartar: Similar to a prophy, the dental professional will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gumline. However, in individuals with gum disease, the cleaning may be more extensive to address deeper pockets of bacteria. These deeper pockets require specialized, more expensive scalers to get into these pockets. Additionally, because of gum and bone recession, there is now increased surface area that needs to be cleaned.
Monitor Gum Healing: Perio maintenance appointments allow the dental team to monitor the progress of gum healing and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Perio maintenance appointments are typically scheduled more frequently than prophylaxis, often every three to four months, to effectively manage gum disease and prevent its progression.
Key Differences
The primary differences between prophy and perio maintenance lie in the level of care provided and the target audience:
Prophy is a standard cleaning recommended for individuals with healthy gums and minimal plaque buildup.
Perio maintenance is a specialized cleaning procedure designed for individuals with gum disease to manage and prevent its progression.
While both procedures aim to promote oral health, perio maintenance is essential for individuals with gum disease to prevent further damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
We get a lot of questions from our patients regarding the difference and reason for these two different styles of cleanings. If you have questions about whether you should be a Prophy or Perio Maintenance patient, please don’t hesitate to ask us :)
