I am scheduled for 4 periodontal cleanings a year. is this the same as getting 4 root planing & scalings?

Basically, yes: There are different names for the same or similar services. Different dentists and offices as well as insurance companies may use slightly different terms for essentially the same procedure. Finally, scaling\root planing may be minimal on periodontal recall visits and be done in one visitor it require 4 quadrants, one at a time with local anesthesia.

Cleanings perio/gum: Periodontal cleanings are consider maintenance after scaling and root planning. Going 4 x per year stay ahead of the root calculus(tartar) that builds up in deeper pockets around teeth. If deep pockets persist seek a dds/dmd that provides a product called' perio protect'. These are gum trays that gentle press medicine under the gum line and stop the disease , and may reverse it. '.

Maintain: The regular cleaning schedule that your dentist placed you on is to maintain you teeth and gums in good health and prevent bacteria from migrating into the pockets and destroying more bone. There may be localized scaling if needed in some areas. Scaling and tooth planing is the initial step where the bacterial toxins and calculus are removed now you are in a maintenance phase. Keep it up.