There are several therapeutic procedures that can be called cleanings. Following your comprehensive exam, the doctor will prescribe and explain your necessary periodontal therapy.

Prophylaxis (D1110)
This is a routine cleaning of the teeth for patients with gums in healthy condition. This is a preventive treatment. It includes the removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from the crown of the tooth, and then all teeth are polished. (No attention is given under gums).

Full Mouth Debridement (D4355)
This cleaning is used to treat Gingivitis and conditions where inflammation and infection exist and disease is present. Plaque and calculus (tartar) are carefully removed from the teeth. This is a therapeutic treatment, not preventative care.

Sometimes patients’ need this procedure to remove excess plaque and aide in good diagnostic quality. This procedure may require more than one appointment. Additional gum treatment/ procedures usually follow a full mouth debridement which is call Scaling and Root Planning or deep cleaning.

Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing Or Deep Cleaning (D4341)
This procedure removes plaque and calculus (tartar) from both the crown and the root of the tooth.

The root is smoothed and cleaned of infection. This procedure is usually involves one or two visits and local anesthetic.

This is a therapeutic treatment; normally this procedure takes two in-office appointments, each appointment is one hour and focuses on either the right side or the left side.

Periodontal Maintenance (D4910)
Perio Maintenance helps patients sustain periodontal health and aids in the prevention of bone loss. It consists of appointments at regular intervals (every 3, 4 or 6 months) where the teeth are scaled and polished, plaque and bacteria are removed, and the root surfaces are kept smooth and deposit free.

The number of appointments and the interval between them vary from patient to patient depending on many factors. This procedure is important to help prevent the advancement of periodontal disease. It routinely follows scaling and root planning or periodontal treatment.

Localized Delivery Of Antibiotic (Arestin)
Antibiotic treatment delivers antimicrobial medication into the periodontal pockets to suppress the pathogenic microbiota. These devices slowly release the pharmacological agents so they can remain at the intended site of action for sufficient length of time, which is approximately a month.

Irrigation (Antibacterial Rinse)
The process of delivering an antibacterial rinse under gums after scaling and root planning procedure is common. Irrigation may also be used during periodontal maintenance with the sole purpose of disinfecting potential bacteria that can produce an infection in an open wound generated by the procedure.

A smile you are proud of is priceless. A 2012 study confirms that people with straight teeth are perceived as more successful, smarter and having more dates. The mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body. Allow Dr. Meinbach to be your teacher, your friend and your partner in providing you with the best dental care possible.

Allow us to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.