Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is the ongoing care that holds the result after gum treatment — more thorough than a routine cleaning, and more frequent.
Once gum disease has been treated, the tissue is stable rather than cured. The bacteria return, and in a mouth that has already lost bone they do more damage more quickly. Maintenance visits are how that is kept in check.
How it differs from a routine cleaning
- Cleaning goes below the gumline, into the pockets that remain
- Pocket depths are re-measured each time and compared against your record
- Visits are usually more frequent than every six months
- Areas that have previously lost bone are given particular attention
The interval is set by how your gums respond, not by a rule. If things remain stable it can often be lengthened, and we would rather do that than keep you coming in unnecessarily.
More about this
It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings ( periodontal cleanings ), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.
In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will usually include:
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
- Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay.
- Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)
- Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!
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