What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a professional dental cleaning procedure designed to remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup that can cause or worsen gum disease. It’s an essential treatment for people who have already undergone periodontal therapy and have a history of gum disease.
Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the patient’s condition and the recommendation of their dentist or periodontist.
The Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
There are many benefits to periodontal maintenance, including:
- Prevents gum disease from progressing: Periodontal maintenance helps remove bacteria and plaque buildup, preventing gum disease from worsening.
- Prevents tooth loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular periodontal maintenance appointments can help prevent this from happening.
- Maintains oral health: Periodontal maintenance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and can prevent other oral health problems, such as cavities and bad breath.
- Helps detect other health problems: Other health problems may be detected during your periodontal maintenance appointments, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?
Anyone who has had gum disease in the past and has undergone periodontal therapy will most likely need periodontal maintenance. Additionally, you may also benefit from periodontal maintenance if you:
- Have a family history of gum disease
- Smoke
- Have diabetes
- Are pregnant and may be at a higher risk for gum disease
The Periodontal Maintenance Process
The periodontal maintenance process typically involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Here’s what you can expect:
- Evaluation: Dr. Dawson will evaluate your gum health and determine if further treatment is needed.
- Scaling and Root Planing: If necessary, your dental hygienist will perform scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and smoothing out the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from sticking to them.
- Polishing: After scaling and root planing, the hygienist will polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains or plaque.
- Oral Hygiene Education: Your dental hygienist will provide oral hygiene education and tips to help you maintain good oral health at home.
- Follow-up: Before you leave you can schedule your next appointment for periodontal maintenance, typically three to four months later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the recommendation of your dentist or periodontist and your individual needs.
Periodontal maintenance isn’t usually painful. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the cleaning process. Your dental hygienist can use numbing agents or adjust the cleaning technique to make you more comfortable.
Periodontal maintenance isn’t a cure for gum disease, but it can help manage and control the progression of the disease. Consistent and proper oral hygiene habits, along with regular periodontal maintenance appointments, can help keep gum disease under control.