A guide to different types of dental cleanings
Posted on April 3, 2025 in Healthy You
Dental cleanings help keep your mouth healthy, and your dentist may recommend a specific type of cleaning based on your oral health needs. There are four main types of dental cleanings, and below we share what you can expect from each one.
1. Routine Cleaning
During your twice yearly preventive dental visits, your dentist or hygienist performs a routine cleaning, also known as prophylaxis. This cleaning involves removing plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease. The visit also allows your dentist to check for other potential oral health issues, including oral cancer.
Routine cleanings are an essential part of maintaining your overall oral health. If you see the dentist regularly, this is most likely the type of dental cleaning you’ll receive. Routine cleanings are preventive, and Delta Dental of Iowa dental insurance plans cover them at 100% when you visit an in-network dentist.
2. Full Mouth Debridement
If it has been years since your last dental visit, a routine cleaning may not be enough to clean your teeth. This is because plaque (a sticky, bacteria-filled substance) can build up and harden if left on the teeth. When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar. If you have significant plaque and tartar, your dentist may recommend a full mouth debridement. This deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup often with the help of special tools, including ultrasonic devices.
Full mouth debridement is often a first treatment for gum disease. After the debridement, the dentist will reassess your gum health. If you have healthy gums, your dentist will perform a routine cleaning. If your gums need additional treatment, scaling and root planing (see more about this treatment below) may be the next step. Because full mouth debridement is considered a treatment — and not preventive like a routine cleaning — your Delta Dental of Iowa plan will cover it at a cost share.
3. Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are cleaning treatments for patients with mild, moderate and severe gum disease or bone loss around the teeth. Pockets near the gumline can collect bacteria, leading to inflammation and damage. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline, while root planing smooths rough root surfaces to prevent further bacterial buildup and reduce inflammation.
These procedures are usually performed over multiple visits and most use local anesthesia for patient comfort, though anesthesia is not required. Since gum disease is already present, scaling and root planing are classified as treatments, not preventive services, so Delta Dental of Iowa plans cover them with a cost share.
4. Periodontal Maintenance
After receiving treatment for gum disease, such as scaling and root planing, patients often require ongoing care known as periodontal maintenance. This type of cleaning helps manage gum disease and prevent it from worsening.
Unlike routine cleanings, periodontal maintenance is considered a therapeutic treatment, meaning your Delta Dental of Iowa plan will often cover it at a cost share.
Regular Visits Are the Way to Go
Keeping your twice-yearly dental visits will help you avoid more intensive cleanings like full mouth debridement or scaling and root planing. You should also practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove plaque and food from between your teeth.
Delta Dental Plans Cover 100% of Preventive Visits
Most Delta Dental of Iowa plans cover 100% of costs for routine cleanings at preventive dental visits when you see an in-network dentist. Regular dental visits not only keep your smile strong and clean but also allow your dentist to find and treat dental problems early.
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the dentist, make an appointment today. Delta Dental’s online Find a Provider tool makes it easy to find an in-network dentist near you.
SOURCES:
Cleveland Clinic
Colgate