There are three types of dental cleanings: 1. A regular cleaning (prophy), 2. A more robust cleaning (debridement), or 3. Deep cleaning (scaling root planing). Insurance policies typically cover regular cleaning (prophy) is sufficient if you have healthy or mildly inflamed gums. The more robust cleaning (debridement) would be needed if you have severely inflamed gums with tarter/plaque build-up on the teeth that cannot be removed with a regular cleaning. Lastly, a deep cleaning (scaling root planing) would be warranted if there is severe inflammation and bone loss, which can be seen on x-rays. Your dentist will determine which of these cleaning is most appropriate for ensuring cleanliness and health of your teeth.