The process of protecting your teeth from disease and decay. The American Dental Association's description for Prophylaxis-Adult is: "A dental prophylaxis performed on transitional or permanent dentition, which includes scaling and polishing procedures to remove coronal plaque, calculus, and stains.” Avoiding dental parlance, this simply means the code provides for using dental tools and polishing procedures to remove plaque, tartar and stains from the portion of the tooth that extends above the gumline.
2
Gingival Scaling (Moderate cleaning)
According to the American Dental Association defined Gingival Scaling as, "scaling in presence of generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation – full mouth, after oral evaluation. The removal of plaque, calculus and stains from supra- and sub-gingival tooth surfaces when there is generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation in the absence of periodontitis. It is indicated for patients who have swollen, inflamed gingiva, generalized suprabony pockets, and moderate to severe bleeding on probing.”
3
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep cleaning)
Scaling and root planing are otherwise known as deep cleaning in dentistry. The procedure gets rid of tartar (hardened minerals) that can adhere to your teeth. You may need these treatments if you have periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Tooth scaling removes tartar from the surface of your teeth that you see when you smile. Root planing removes tartar from the roots of your teeth below your gum line.
