Periodontal health refers to the support structures for your teeth, primarily the gums, jaw, and connective tissues. The biggest threat to your periodontal health is periodontitis, more commonly known as gum disease. What begins as gingivitis with a little gum irritation can progress to a full-blown infection that causes permanent damage to your jaw.
In the early stages gum disease can often be reversed, but advanced stage gum disease can only be managed. This is where periodontal maintenance is key. Regular deep cleanings are crucial to keeping gum disease under control and minimizing damage.
At Medford Periodontics we are dedicated to the management of your oral health, offering periodontal maintenance on a customized schedule to meet your needs. Learn more about this treatment and the key role it plays in your oral health and overall wellness.
What is Periodontal Maintenance?
At the first sign of gum disease, a deep cleaning of the teeth is recommended. A deep cleaning consists of a two-part procedure called scaling and root planing.
- Scaling: plaque and tartar (calculus) are removed from the teeth and roots below the gumline. This removes the source of the infection.
- Root planing: the root surface is buffed until smooth, allowing the gum tissue to reattach to the roots more firmly. This helps to prevent plaque buildup under the gums.
The first deep cleaning is longer and more involved than subsequent cleanings. As periodontal maintenance continues, cleanings become shorter as the amount of plaque buildup lessens.
How Often Do I Need Periodontal Maintenance?
A typical schedule for periodontal maintenance appointments is every 3-4 months. But your cleanings should be scheduled according to your needs, taking into consideration various factors such as the rate at which plaque forms and hardens on your teeth and your individual stage of periodontal disease. You and your periodontist can create an appropriate schedule together that offers the best results for your oral health.
Why Ongoing Care Matters
For patients with moderate to advanced stage gum disease, a single deep cleaning will not be sufficient to stop the infection. Unfortunately gum disease is irreversible once it progresses past the early stages. Regular maintenance is essential to keeping the infection under control and preventing negative consequences, such as jaw damage and loss of teeth. Frequent deep cleanings on a regular schedule by a periodontist can go a long way toward treating gum disease and preventing further progression.
Gum Disease and General Health
Numerous studies have shown that oral health is closely tied to your overall well-being. A direct link has been discovered to exist between gum disease and other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. This further emphasizes the importance of periodontal maintenance.
What to Expect During a Periodontal Maintenance Visit
The typical steps in a periodontal maintenance visit include:
- Evaluation. Your periodontist will assess the current state of your gum health to determine the best course of treatment.
- Scaling and root planing. A deep cleaning of the teeth below the gums will remove any plaque and calculus that has formed since the last cleaning.
- Gum pocket measurements. Gum disease causes pockets to form between the teeth and the jaw bone. The size of these pockets is monitored to evaluate treatment progress.
How Medford Periodontics Supports Long-Term Gum Health
Dr. Calem and the team at Medford Periodontics provide personalized care with custom periodontal maintenance plans designed to meet your individual needs. We communicate with your general dentist to provide continuity of care that is in the best interest of your oral health. Call 609-953-3700 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Maintenance
How often should I schedule periodontal maintenance visits?
Your schedule should be determined according to your needs. Together you and your periodontist will decide on a frequency that works with your schedule and best supports your oral health.
Is periodontal maintenance covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal maintenance. However, coverage may not be 100%. You may have a copay or a deductible that must be met before insurance pays.
At Medford Periodontics we believe in the importance of ongoing treatment to maintain your oral health. Our periodontal maintenance plans are customized to meet your specific needs and work within your schedule. To learn more about our periodontal services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.