What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a series of treatments used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums on a routine basis. This allows the gums and teeth to be stabilized following the diagnosis of more advanced stages of gum disease.
Periodontitis often cannot be totally cured, only controlled. This is the function of periodontal maintenance. It controls the symptoms of periodontitis, allowing patients to live a normal, pain-free life.
If you are suffering from periodontal disease in Redmond, WA, our team can help!
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
- Deep cleaning uses advanced dental scrapers and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.
- Scaling and root planing use dental tools to “scale” teeth below the gum line to remove bacteria, and then “plane” or smooth the roots to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
- Soft tissue recontouring can reduce the inflamed, puffy appearance of gums affected by periodontal disease.
- Antimicrobial agents may be applied directly to the teeth, or long-lasting antibiotics may be placed under the gumline to control bacterial growth.
How Is Periodontal Maintenance Different From A Routine Cleaning?
Periodontal maintenance is usually a bit more invasive and intensive than routine cleaning, though it may seem similar. Usually, it is performed after a procedure like scaling and root planing, and at 3-month intervals.
These 3-month cleanings help remove the harmful bacteria that accumulate under the gumline. However, the time frames of your treatments may vary. Some individuals require more frequent cleanings, while others may get periodontal maintenance every 4-6 months.
What Are Some Common Periodontal Maintenance Treatments?
Here are some of the most common treatments you may receive during a periodontal maintenance appointment:
- Deep cleaning: This uses advanced dental scrapers and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.
- Scaling & root planing: This uses dental tools to “scale” teeth below the gum line, and remove bacteria. Then, the roots are “planed”, smoothing them and reducing the risk of bacterial infection.
- Soft tissue recontouring: This can reduce the inflamed, puffy appearance of gums affected by periodontal disease.
- Antimicrobial therapy: Antimicrobial agents may be applied directly to the teeth, or long-lasting antibiotics may be placed under the gumline to control bacterial growth. Oral antibiotics are also commonly prescribed after periodontal maintenance treatments, to inhibit the continued growth of harmful bacteria.
Our team will also take digital x-rays and perform measurements to ensure that your periodontitis is not progressing and that its effects are being mitigated properly.
How Long Will I Be On Periodontal Maintenance?
If you have been diagnosed with periodontitis, you will likely always be on some kind of periodontal maintenance schedule. Periodontitis is a chronic disease, and often can only be treated, not entirely cured.
However, if you perform proper at-home care, and your periodontium is stabilized, the intervals between periodontal maintenance treatments may be less invasive or lengthened.
Redmond Art Of Dentistry – Experts In Periodontics In Redmond, WA!
If you’re affected by periodontitis in Redmond, WA, and you’re interested in how restorative dentistry can treat your condition and prevent it from progressing, please contact our office today.
At our practice, Dr. Bickel specializes in periodontics and treating patients with gum disease. We can develop a custom treatment plan that will restore your oral health, and prevent gum recession and tooth loss from advanced periodontitis.