What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized type of cleaning designed for individuals who have experienced gum disease or have been treated for periodontitis. Unlike regular cleanings, this professional care goes deeper. It removes plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria that accumulate under the gumline. All of this helps lower the risk of developing oral diseases again or experiencing further problems with your gums.
This way of caring for your mouth does more than keep things clean. It helps keep the gums healthy and holds the teeth in place. It is a suitable answer for those who want to manage gum disease and effectively restore strong periodontal health.
Definition and Primary Goals
Periodontal maintenance is a type of dental cleaning that removes tartar buildup, plaque, and bacteria found deep below the gumline. It is a treatment designed to help manage periodontal disease and maintain the strength and attachment of your gums to your teeth.
The primary goals are to maintain good gum health, prevent periodontal disease from worsening, and protect the bone that supports your teeth. Your dental hygienist will utilize specialized tools and skills as part of this professional care to perform the job effectively.
This type of care is also crucial for maintaining your overall oral health. If gum problems are not treated, they can worsen rapidly and lead to more severe health issues, such as heart disease. Ongoing periodontal maintenance helps your gums stay healthy and reduces the risks associated with these severe conditions. Good care from your hygienist will help maintain a healthy mouth and support your dental and overall health.
How It Differs from Routine Dental Cleanings
Periodic dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance serve distinct roles in maintaining your oral health. Both cleanings work to remove bacteria and plaque. But the way each is done and their main goals are not the same.
Why Is Periodontal Maintenance Necessary?
Gum disease is a persistent condition that does not resolve easily. It always needs your attention. Periodontal maintenance is a good way to help maintain your gum health after completing your initial treatment.
You need to have this done to prevent problems from returning, such as inflammation, tooth loss, or even weakening of your bones. Professional cleanings help maintain your periodontal health. They do this by eliminating harmful bacteria from your gums. This helps prevent you from getting new infections. You must attend your appointments on time to maintain your gum health and preserve the improvements you made during treatment.
The Chronic Nature of Gum Disease
Gum disease does not just go away after simple treatments. It is a problem that you have to manage all the time. Over time, bacteria cause swelling in your gums and hurt the tissue. That is why you need to address these problems frequently and not let them worsen.
If you do not treat gum disease, it gets worse. It can break down the bone under your teeth and cause them to become loose. Because it lasts a long time, you will need to see your dental professional regularly to keep it under control.
Gum disease that is left untreated can also affect the rest of your body. Swelling in the gums can raise your chances of heart disease, diabetes, and even problems with breathing. That is why regular periodontal maintenance is essential. It keeps swelling down and protects both your mouth and your overall health.
Preventing Recurrence and Complications
Preventing gum disease from recurring is one of the primary objectives of periodontal maintenance. This way of caring for your teeth helps stop problems from periodontitis from getting worse.
What Happens During a Periodontal Maintenance Visit?
A visit for periodontal maintenance provides personalized care tailored to your specific needs. The dental hygienist will start by checking your gums. They look for any signs of inflammation, check the periodontal pockets, and assess the health of your gums.
After this, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning to remove bacteria and tartar buildup from under the gumline. The hygienist uses scaling and root planing for this and may also use antibacterial treatments to help maintain your gum health. Each visit is designed to help maintain your mouth’s stability after gum disease treatment and to support good gum health.
Examination and Monitoring of Gum Health
During your periodontal maintenance appointment, the dentist or hygienist will carefully examine your gums. They will measure your periodontal pockets during this check. This step is crucial for understanding your gum health.
If your pockets are shallow, it indicates healthy gums. Deeper pockets may mean you require more treatments. By keeping a close watch on your gums, you can help prevent issues like inflammation or gum disease from worsening.
The dentist or hygienist will also examine your gums for signs of redness, swelling, or other changes during this appointment. Finding these problems early helps keep your periodontal health in good shape. Receiving professional care at these times helps identify areas that may be missed at home, even if you brush your teeth every day.
Deep Cleaning Procedures and Personalized Care
Periodontal maintenance involves deep cleaning to remove tough tartar and bacteria from under the gumline. These treatments are tailored to each person’s specific needs.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re in need of periodontal maintenance, Palm Beach Periodontics can help. Our team specializes in maintaining periodontal health and preventing gum disease. Schedule a consultation today to get started.
