Maintenance

Periodontal Maintenance

It takes only twenty four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into tartar or calculus. Daily homecare helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those patients who have the deeper pockets due to periodontal disease, need more than the standard cleaning or “prophy” to keep those pockets free of bacteria, plaque and tartar.

Once your periodontal therapy has been completed, your dentist and hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings up to four times a year. At these cleaning appointments the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed.

In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will usually include:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays – essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. Also x-rays help determine tooth and root positions.
• Examination of existing restorations – check current fillings and crowns.
• Examination of tooth decay – check all surfaces for decay.
• Oral cancer screening – check the face, lips, tongue, throat, cheeks, and gums for oral cancer.
• Oral hygiene recommendations – review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed.
• Teeth polishing – remove stain and plaque that is otherwise not removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
• Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control.