WHAT IS PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE?

Deep Dental Cleaning: The Difference Between Periodontal Maintenance and a Regular Cleaning

Patients often think all dental cleanings follow the same process. While the goal of dental cleanings are to remove plaque, prevent decay and ensure good oral health, the cleaning process can vary based on several factors.

Regular Dental Cleaning

Prophylaxis, which is commonly known as a professional dental cleaning, is a preventative measure included with routine dental visits. The focus of these cleanings is to remove plaque and other irritants from the mouth, in addition to cleaning, flossing and polishing the teeth. Deposits build up on your teeth over time and lead to tartar. Tartar is a leading cause of numerous common oral health issues. While you should strive to prevent a build-up of tartar through regular brushing and flossing, some deposits are unavoidable and require additional attention.

Regular dental cleanings are part of an overall dental checkup and critical in maintaining a healthy smile and preventing gum disease. Tartar which is not removed from prophylaxis can collect and form below the gum line. This eventually can lead to periodontal disease and ultimately result in the loss of teeth or bone. The routine cleaning also removes stains from the surface area of the teeth.

Regular dental cleanings are recommended for all patients who do not suffer from bone loss, periodontal disease or infection near the teeth or around the mouth. These cleanings are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal Maintenance

If you suffer from periodontal (gum) disease, you may undergo a special cleaning called scaling and root planning.  You also may have also had periodontal surgery for treatment. The dental cleaning, which is recommended following these treatments, is called periodontal maintenance care.

Periodontal maintenance includes a cleaning which goes deeper than a typical cleaning at the dental office. Patients who have a history of periodontal disease require these deeper cleanings because of the formation of periodontal pockets. These pockets are spaces between the teeth and the gums where there are formations of plaque and tartar.

While more intense, this cleaning process is critical for restoring and maintaining healthy gums and bones. Bacteria present in your mouth can lead to inflammation, infection and other serious health issues such as a stroke, heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease.  Periodontal maintenance requires patients to visit the dentist more frequently than traditional visits which occur every 6 months. Because it is linked to serious conditions, gum disease should be treated as soon as possible.

Don’t worry if you are prescribed periodontal maintenance. We work hard to ensure our patients are comfortable during the periodontal maintenance procedure. If needed, we will discuss the appropriate anesthetic options and the recommended frequency of the cleaning procedure. We will also work with your insurance provider to determine what is covered based on your plan.

Periodontal maintenance is often incredibly effective. It is critical to follow your dentist’s instructions for the maintenance stage in order to prevent the risk of recurrence. This will include regular oral hygiene and avoiding the use of tobacco products.

Regardless of the type of cleaning you need, our team will ensure you receive the highest quality of care during your visit. Our experienced, profession team of dental experts will work to ensure you look and feel great about your oral health.

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