Periodontal Maintenance

Why Periodontal Maintenance Matters

It only takes twenty-four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus, or tartar. Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard-to-reach areas will always need special attention.

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, we will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings, usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, we carefully check your pocket depths to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

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What's Included in Your Maintenance Visit

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

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, and other dental work.

• Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay.

• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

• Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed, such as electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, and rinses.

• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

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Keeping Your Gums Healthy

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control. We're here to partner with you in protecting your smile for the long term.