Preventive Care
Professional Cleaning
What is Professional Cleaning?
Professional Cleaning is more commonly referred to in clinics as "adult prophy" is the most common reason to visit a dentist in USA. It involve a dentist or a dental hygienist gently removing accumulated tartar from your teeth using specialized instruments and flossing the teeth. After the tartar is removed from all tooth surfaces, polishing is performed. This is done using a slow-speed, handheld dental instrument that has a soft rubber cup that spins on the end and a gritty, toothpaste-like material. Routine scaling and polishing is an effective way to achieve a clean mouth and establish good oral hygiene.
Professional Cleaning
When is Professional Cleaning Recommended?
Professional cleaning (adult prophylaxis) is the foundation of preventive dental care and is recommended for patients with healthy gums or only mild gingivitis:
Routine Preventive Care
Most adults should receive professional cleanings every six months as part of their regular dental care routine to maintain optimal oral health.
Mild Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Even with excellent brushing and flossing, some plaque hardens into tartar that can only be removed professionally.
Healthy Gums or Mild Gingivitis
For patients with pocket depths of 3mm or less and no significant bone loss, regular prophylaxis is the appropriate cleaning.
Stain Removal
Professional polishing effectively removes surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, leaving teeth brighter and smoother.
Before Other Dental Procedures
A clean mouth provides a better environment for restorative work, orthodontics, or cosmetic procedures.
Note: Professional cleaning is different from deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). If you have gum disease with pocket depths greater than 4mm, your dentist may recommend deep cleaning instead.
Benefits of Professional Cleaning
Why Regular Cleanings Matter
Prevents Cavities
Removes the plaque buildup that causes tooth decay, helping you avoid fillings, crowns, and other restorative treatments.
Prevents Gum Disease
Regular tartar removal keeps your gums healthy and prevents gingivitis from progressing to periodontitis.
Freshens Breath
Eliminates bacteria and food particles that cause bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling clean and fresh.
Brighter Smile
Polishing removes surface stains, making your teeth look whiter and healthier between whitening treatments.
Early Problem Detection
Regular cleanings allow your dental team to identify cavities, gum disease, and other issues before they become serious problems.
Overall Health Benefits
Good oral health is linked to lower risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic health conditions.
Treatment Alternatives
At-Home Care Only
Brushing and flossing cannot remove hardened tartar—only professional instruments can effectively eliminate calculus deposits
Deep Cleaning (SRP)
Required when gum disease is present with pockets deeper than 3-4mm; goes below the gum line to remove bacteria from tooth roots
Periodontal Maintenance
For patients who have completed treatment for gum disease; more thorough than prophylaxis and typically done every 3-4 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Locations Offering Professional Cleaning
Available at all Philadelphia Dental locations throughout Philadelphia
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