Periodontal Maintenance in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, MD

If you've been previously diagnosed with periodontal disease, periodontal maintenance appointments are essential to maintaining your oral health. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, Dr. Markogiannakis offers general dentistry services to patients of all ages across the area.

To receive the highest quality of comprehensive dental care in the safest environment, contact our Washington, D.C., dentist today by calling 301-652-0656.

While the goal of modern dentistry is to help you keep your natural teeth, a tooth may sometimes become too damaged or infected to save. In cases such as these, extraction is necessary and beneficial. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, Dr. Markogiannakis provides simple, painless tooth extractions to preserve your oral health, increase orthodontic treatment efficiency, and prepare you for restorative options.

Periodontal maintenance refers to the ongoing care and treatment provided to patients who have been previously treated for periodontal disease. After the initial treatment, which may include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) and possibly surgical interventions, regular follow-up visits are crucial to manage and prevent the recurrence of the disease.

Periodontal maintenance cleanings are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the patient's condition and the recommendation of their dentist or periodontist.

Before Dr. Markogiannakis extracts any of your teeth, she’ll thoroughly examine your mouth during a routine consultation and make sure that all other options have been exhausted. She’ll ask you about your oral health goals, review your medical history, and suggest restorative options that you may qualify for.

Once you’ve both decided that tooth extraction is the best course of action, we’ll schedule your next appointment. Dr. Markogiannakis may also prescribe an antibiotic for you to take before and after the procedure. Prescription of antibiotics depends on a number of factors, including:

• Current infection
• Weakened immune system
• Specific medical conditions
• Extended procedure

There are many benefits to periodontal cleanings, including:

• Prevents periodontal disease from progressing: This type of dental cleaning helps remove bacteria and plaque buildup, preventing periodontal disease from worsening.

• Prevents tooth loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular periodontal cleaning appointments can help prevent this from happening.
• Improved oral health: Thorough cleanings during maintenance visits remove plaque and tartar that can't be removed by regular brushing and flossing alone, reducing the risk of cavities and other dental issues.
• Reduction of inflammation and bleeding: Regular cleaning and monitoring reduce gum inflammation and bleeding, leading to healthier gum tissue.
• Helps detect other health problems: Your dentist or periodontist may be able to detect other health problems during your periodontal cleaning appointments, such as diabetes or heart disease.

The periodontal maintenance process typically involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Here's what you can expect:

• Evaluation: Our dentist will evaluate your gum health and determine if further treatment is needed.
• Scaling and Root Planing: If necessary, our dental hygienist will perform scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, 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, our dental hygienist will polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains or plaque.
• Oral Hygiene Education: Our dental hygienist will provide oral hygiene education and tips to help you maintain good oral health at home.
• Follow-up: The dentist will schedule your next appointment for periodontal maintenance, typically three to four months later.

Anyone who has had periodontal disease in the past and has undergone periodontal therapy is a candidate for periodontal maintenance. Additionally, you may also benefit from this type of dental cleaning if you: 

• Have a family history of gum disease
• Smoke
• Have diabetes
• Are pregnant and may be at a higher risk for gum disease

To schedule an appointment with our Chevy Chase dentist, contact our office at 301-652-0656.

On average, periodontal maintenance appointments can cost between $150 and $300. The cost will vary depending on the location, the experience of the dentist or periodontist, and your insurance coverage. It’s typically more expensive than a regular dental cleaning, but most dental insurance plans cover all or a portion of the costs. Patients should check with their insurance provider to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket costs. You may also ask your dentist if they have any special discounts or provide financing options.

To help keep periodontal disease from recurring, our Chevy Chase dentist has provided tips on how to maintain healthy gums at home:

• Brush and floss teeth regularly
• Use mouthwash
• Quit smoking
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Stay hydrated
• Keep up with a routine dental cleaning schedule

If you're suffering from symptoms of periodontal disease, contact Smiles of Chevy Chase today to schedule your appointment.

How often do I need periodontal maintenance?

 

Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the recommendation of your dentist or periodontist and your individual needs.

 

Is periodontal maintenance painful?

 

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.

 

Can periodontal maintenance cure gum disease?

 

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 periodontal disease under control.

 

Periodontal maintenance is a critical preventive treatment that can help patients manage and control the progression of periodontal disease. You should schedule a periodontal maintenance appointment if you have a history of gum disease or are at risk of developing gum disease. Our Washington, D.C., dentist is willing to help you get the dental care you need. 

Are you looking to get started with regular cleanings in Chevy Chase, MD? Contact our top-rated dentist today at 301-652-0656.