Not every patient needs the same type of cleaning. Many people benefit from routine preventive cleaning (prophylaxis) every six months, while others may need more frequent visits based on tartar buildup, gum sensitivity, smoking, or a history of gum disease. If you have heavy buildup, we’ll start with a debridement-style cleaning first. If there are signs of periodontal issues, we may recommend deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to clean below the gumline and support healthier gum reattachment. We can also recommend preventive add-ons when appropriate, like fluoride treatment, oral cancer screening, or updated X-rays, based on your exam and risk factors.