What’s the Difference Between a Regular Teeth Cleaning and a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Regular Cleaning (Prophy):
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Designed for healthy gums.
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Focuses on cleaning plaque and tartar above the gums.
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Helps prevent future problems.
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Usually covered 100% by insurance as a preventive service.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing):
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Recommended if you have gum disease (red, swollen, bleeding gums or bone loss).
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Cleans below the gums, where bacteria and tartar build up and damage bone.
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Smoother roots help your gums heal and reattach.
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Considered a treatment, not just prevention, so insurance may not cover it fully.
Why does a deep cleaning cost more?
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Takes more treatment time.
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Requires special tools and skills to clean under the gums.
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Billed by quadrant of the mouth instead of one flat fee.
✨ Think of it this way:
A regular teeth cleaning is like a car wash — keeps the outside looking good.
A deep teeth cleaning is like a full detail — it goes under the hood to fix bigger issues and protect your investment.
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