Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized form of teeth cleaning that goes beyond the standard dental cleaning you receive at a routine dental checkup. It is meant to manage and prevent damage caused by gum disease.
Although periodontal maintenance resembles a regular teeth cleaning, it goes beyond cleaning the teeth to remove plaque below the gum line and combat bacteria in dental pockets caused by periodontal disease. Maintenance also includes the measurement and monitoring of the depth of gum pockets.
Only patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and undergone treatment are scheduled for periodontal maintenance, which is usually needed every 3 to 4 months to prevent bacterial growth, maintain gum health, and discourage the development of deeper gum pockets.
Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
- Removes plaque and tartar from teeth and gum pockets
- Reduces bleeding and inflammation
- Halts the progression of gingivitis and gingival pockets
- Aids in monitoring and treating active gum disease
- Fresher breath
- Better overall oral health
- Helps prevent tooth loss
Aftercare Tips
After periodontal maintenance, you may experience some discomfort, particularly if scaling and root planing were required. To alleviate any pain and maximize the effectiveness of any treatments, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t be alarmed if you experience mild bleeding for a short time after treatment. This is normal.
- You can take over-the-counter pain relievers for any discomfort. If these are not sufficient, please get in touch with our office.
- Brush and floss gently for the first few days to avoid bruising the gums.
- Rinsing with salt water can help ease discomfort and aid in disinfecting the mouth.
