Periodontal Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment

Why Maintenance is Critical

It only takes twenty-four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard-to-reach areas will always need special attention. After successful periodontal treatment, maintaining your results requires a partnership between excellent home care and professional maintenance.

Your Maintenance Schedule

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year. This increased frequency is essential because treated periodontal tissues require more intensive monitoring than healthy gums. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they remain healthy and stable. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

What to Expect During Your Maintenance Visit

In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will typically 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 for integrity and fit.

• Examination of tooth decay: Comprehensive check of all tooth surfaces for new decay.

• Oral cancer screening: Thorough examination of 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, including electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, and therapeutic rinses.

• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that cannot be eliminated through regular brushing and scaling.

Your Role in Success

Between maintenance visits, your commitment to daily oral hygiene is paramount. Use the specialized tools and techniques recommended by your dental team, and never skip your scheduled appointments. Remember, periodontal disease is manageable but not curable—consistent maintenance is your best defense against recurrence.

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!