Why Must I Continue My Periodontal Maintenance Program?

With half of the adult population of the United States suffering from some form of gum disease, it’s imperative that, once noticed by your dentist of periodontist, you maintain a proper maintenance program.

For some people, their issues might be minor (but indicative of increasing disease). For others, their symptoms — and pain — may be at a level that requires them to become patients with our periodontists.

And as you age, generally the risk of advanced gum disease increases too…unless you maintain an active oral health program of brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist.

Once you have been diagnosed and treated for gum disease, it is important to schedule regular appointments to have periodontal maintenance cleanings and have your doctor monitor any areas that have the potential to relapse.

This early detection and treatment protocol can help prevent damage to your teeth and further gum pain.

Tell me more about Gum Disease…

Gum disease, once present, is never cured as the bacteria that cause the infection will continue to accumulate and need to be cleared away in a continuous cycle.

Gum disease must be treated and then controlled. To maintain the health of their teeth and gums, we advise our patients to schedule treatment on a regular basis.

Periodontal maintenance is a key factor in controlling and managing the bacteria that cause gum disease.

Remember…Periodontal Maintenance differs from regular cleanings in the following ways:

1 — Shorter duration in between appointments
2 — Deeper, more comprehensive cleanings
3 — Maintenance of gum tissue and management of bacteria

Regular treatment visits are important

While regular cleanings are generally performed at six month intervals, periodontal cleanings are scheduled more frequently.

The time between visits is based upon each individual patient’s condition, considering factors such as the rate at which plaque grows on your teeth, method of treatment, and response to treatment.

Periodontal cleanings are more extensive than regular dental cleanings. Your teeth are cleaned both above and below the gum line to remove bacteria and calculus.

Your mouth will be evaluated for changes in bite, gum tissue health, and periodontal pocket depths. It is essential that you inform us of any changes in your health, new medications, and any existing gum pain or symptoms at each visit.

Why must I continue with my program an visits?

The plaque that builds up on the teeth, and harbors bacteria, can harden into calculus and calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush and floss.

It can only be removed by a dental professional.

In addition, the bacteria that cause gum disease must be managed.

More questions for a local periodontist? Let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700