Periodontal Maintenance
If you’ve been previously diagnosed with periodontal disease, periodontal maintenance appointments are essential to maintaining your oral health.Â
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
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.
The Benefits of Periodontal Cleanings
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
The periodontal maintenance process typically involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Here’s what you can expect:
/1
Evaluation
Our dentist will evaluate your gum health and determine if further treatment is needed.
/2
Scaling and Root Planning
If necessary, our dental hygienist will perform scaling and root planning, 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.
/3
Polishing
After scaling and root planing, our dental hygienist will polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains or plaque.
/4
Oral Hygiene Education
Our dental hygienist will provide oral hygiene education and tips to help you maintain good oral health at home.
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Follow-up
The dentist will schedule your next appointment for periodontal maintenance, typically three to four months later.
Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?
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:Â
- 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.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums at Home
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Protect and Maintain Gum Health With Periodontal Maintenance!
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.Â
Are you looking to get started with regular cleanings in Chevy Chase, MD? Contact our top-rated dentist today at 301-652-0656.
