WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PROPHY AND A PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE? by Dona Fujioka, R.D.H.

Patients often ask about what the difference is between a prophy, a regular cleaning and a periodontal maintenance cleaning. The concern is mainly because of the fee that is being charged and the frequency recommended.

A PROPHYLAXIS (1110) or regular cleaning is only for people who do NOT show any signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, including bone loss, bleeding, mobility, exudates and recession. It is a preventive procedure for those who do not yet have periodontal disease. The CDT (Current Dental Terminology) definition says, D1110 is for “the removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the tooth structure in the permanent and transitional dentition. It is intended to control local irritational factors.”

A PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE (4910) is a post-therapeutic procedure to maintain results following periodontal therapy treatment. The CDT definition for D4910 states that the procedure is used “following periodontal therapy and continues at varying intervals. It includes removal of bacterial plaque and calculus from supragingival and subgingival sites, and polishing the teeth.” Periodontal maintenance is a more in-depth cleaning. The goal in this procedure is the debride the pockets of periodontal pathogens that reside in calculus, on root surface biofilm, in sulcular epithelium and free-floating in the sulcus or pocket. Most patients who have undergone periodontal therapy treatment have deep pockets. These pockets are difficult for patients to clean at home. Even with good home care, periodontal bacteria can repopulate these areas in as little as 9 to 11 weeks. This explains the necessity for a periodontal maintenance visit at frequent intervals, which can either be every 12 or 16 weeks. The intervals are dependent upon the patient’s oral hygiene.

To establish or maintain a periodontally healthy mouth, proper care has to be taken at home and at the dental office. While thorough cleaning is required for patients who do not yet have periodontal disease, an even more extensive cleaning is needed for patients who do have the disease.





SOURCE: RDH Magazine
Diane Glasscoe Watterson, RDH,BS,MA and Bill Landers