Periodontal maintenance is a treatment for gum disease every three months, but the exact frequency of your cleanings depends on your situation.
Periodontal maintenance is a treatment for gum disease that includes a series of regularly scheduled deeper dental cleanings. These cleanings might be performed every three months, but the exact frequency of your cleanings depends on your situation. Your appointments always begin with an extensive exam. We check the condition of your teeth, measure the depth of the periodontal pockets, and take x-rays. These x-rays allow us to assess the condition of your teeth and jaw below the gum line. We then proceed to your cleaning.
Implant Dentistry and Periodontics understands the importance of this periodontal maintenance to protect your oral health. We always provide an extensive exam of your gums at every single checkup. We offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services to help every patient. Our conscientious staff will work in harmony on a team goal of providing you with quality service for your overall oral health. Our team approaches every dental procedure in a soothing environment, and we address your dental care as an important partner on your health care team. If you have questions about the benefits of periodontal maintenance, call our Indianapolis office at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office at 317-842-2273 to schedule your appointment today.
Gum disease has become a quite common problem, with over half of Americans 30 years and older, and over 70% of adults over the age of 65 who currently have some form of gum disease. Gum disease manifests itself in the form of infection, sensitivity, puffiness, or inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease will begin to deteriorate the jawbone, which will result in loss of your teeth or the need for extensive dental surgery. There are also significant health issues associated with gum disease, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
The Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
There are several benefits that are associated with having consistent periodontal maintenance, which include the following:
- Severe plaque and tartar buildup are removed, which is not possible with your at-home care techniques.
- Regular and consistent periodontal maintenance actively slows the gum disease from progressing.
- Periodontal maintenance will reduce or eliminate the inflammation and irritation your gums have been experiencing, which then will give them a chance to heal properly.
- Regular maintenance allows Implant Dentistry and Periodontics to keep track of your general health and identify problems before they develop into something more serious, such as stroke, diabetes, or heart disease.
Why Is Periodontal Maintenance So Important?
The primary cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, which is a sticky, clear film that is constantly forming on your teeth. The bacteria in this plaque creates toxins, or poisons, which attack your teeth and gums continuously. Unless this plaque is removed daily, it will harden into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Daily brushing and flossing help minimize the formation of calculus, but it will not completely prevent it. No matter how diligent you are with your oral home care, bacterial plaque will cause a recurrence of gum disease two to four months after your last professional cleaning. Implant Dentistry and Periodontics must check for hidden problems and remove the hardened plaque at a frequency that is appropriate for your mouth, so your teeth and gums stay healthy.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services. Our caring and compassionate team has one collective priority and that is your smile.
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A Typical Dental Visit Including Periodontal Maintenance
Your periodontal maintenance will begin with a thorough oral examination to determine the overall health of your teeth, which will be identified and measured by testing your gums and measuring the depth of your periodontal pockets. We will also take X-rays to assess the health of your jaw. Once this is completed, we will begin your deep cleaning.
If you are scheduled to have a periodontal maintenance exam, you can expect us to do this:
- Discuss your recent oral health history as well as any recent changes to your mouth.
- Perform a thorough examination of your mouth tissues.
- Take measurements of the depth of your pockets.
- Discuss and provide an overall assessment of your current oral hygiene habits.
- Removal of any plaque or tartar that has formed.
- Take X-rays to evaluate the state of your teeth and bone under the surface.
- Conduct an examination to determine if any decay or other dental issues have developed.
- Assess your occlusal bite.
- Prescribe any medication as necessary, apply if appropriate.
Maintaining Your Periodontal Therapy at Home
The most important thing you can do to avoid developing gum disease in the future is to continue to practice good preventative oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily and for at least two minutes each time and continue flossing regularly. Implant Dentistry and Periodontics can also recommend antimicrobial mouth rinses.
Along with these important at home care practices, the best thing you can do to continue enjoying your healthy smile is to schedule regular visits. Depending on your periodontal maintenance requirements the frequency may vary. During these routine checkups, we will be able to conduct the deep cleanings necessary and monitor the overall state of your oral health, identifying issues before they develop.
The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
An important part of periodontal maintenance is the scaling and root planing for your mouth. Scaling is a process used to remove plaque, tartar, bacteria, and other debris from the surfaces of your teeth which includes between them and just below the gum line. Root planing is an extended cleaning down the tooth, in which the roots of your teeth are smoothed, effectively removing plaque, bacteria and other toxins. An antibacterial wash is also administered below the gum line as well, which kills any lingering bacteria.
Earning your Trust with High Quality Periodontal Care
When you schedule a periodontal maintenance program with our thorough staff at Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, you will be relieved by the high degree of our professionalism and that we are a team that has the most advanced dental technology at our disposal in our clinic. We pride ourselves in being quite conscientious because we understand how different and unique each situation is. We are also very detail orientated in developing your personalized treatments, to ensure success that works for your desires and budget. Our entire staff focuses on the value in your personal asset, your healthy smile, so every procedure we perform for you is with your best interests and oral health in mind.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, our clinic has a calming atmosphere, and we want you to be confident with our abilities and services. Scheduling an appointment for your periodontal maintenance is a beneficial first step towards being proactive in your oral health and regaining your healthy smile. To schedule an appointment, call our Indianapolis office, 8801 North Meridian St., Suite 103, Indianapolis, at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office, 9885 E. 116th St, Suite 300, Fishers, at 317-842-2273.