A healthy smile starts with healthy gums, and professional dental cleanings—commonly known as prophylaxis or “prophy”—are a cornerstone of maintaining optimal oral health. At Renew Dental, we provide thorough, gentle cleanings as part of our comprehensive periodontal care services.
What Is Prophy?
Prophy, short for prophylaxis, is a professional dental cleaning designed to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth and gums. While routine dental cleanings focus on maintaining oral health, prophy is often recommended as part of periodontal care to prevent or manage gum disease.
Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, it’s nearly impossible to remove all plaque and tartar buildup at home. Prophy goes beyond your daily routine by:
- Removing hardened tartar (calculus) that can’t be cleaned with brushing.
- Preventing gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
- Enhancing the health of your gums for long-term stability.
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What Happens During a Prophy Appointment?
At Renew Dental, your comfort and health are our priority. Here’s what you can expect during your prophy treatment:
- Examination: We assess your teeth and gums for signs of plaque buildup, gum disease, or other oral health concerns.
- Scaling: Using specialized tools, we gently remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline.
- Polishing: After scaling, we polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile looking fresh and clean.
- Fluoride Treatment (Optional): For added protection against cavities, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel.
Prophy vs. Periodontal Maintenance
It’s important to note that prophy is a preventive measure, typically for patients with healthy gums or early-stage gum concerns. If you have advanced periodontal disease, you may need periodontal maintenance, which involves deeper cleaning to address gum pockets and infection.
Most patients benefit from scheduling prophy appointments every six months as part of their routine dental care. However, depending on your gum health, our team may recommend more frequent cleanings to ensure your smile stays healthy.

Ready to Prioritize Your Gum Health with a Professional Prophy?
Prevent gum disease and protect your smile with professional prophy services at Renew Dental. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques to keep your gums healthy and your smile bright, all in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the difference in personalized periodontal care.
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