People who are healthy and have never had gum disease get a “regular” or preventive cleaning at the dental office. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, we’re no longer trying to prevent disease; we’re treating it and keeping it in remission. The work that your hygienist is doing is actually different (and more involved and challenging) than the “regular” cleanings for healthy patients. Because this is treatment rather than prevention, the insurance coverage isn’t as favorable as healthy patients receive. That doesn’t mean the treatment isn’t necessary – in fact, it’s critical if you want to remain healthy and not let the disease reactivate.
