How Gum Health Is Improved with Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance keeps gum disease from recurring after you recover. It is a necessary phase of treatment that dentists prescribe because periodontitis can be persistent. This makes periodontal therapy a preventative measure that can ensure healthy gums in the long term.
A dentist will often work together with other dental professionals to manage the oral health of patients who are recovering from periodontal disease. They will create a custom maintenance plan that caters to their patient’s unique situation. Find out more about periodontal therapy here.
What to expect from periodontal maintenance
Patients should think of periodontal therapy as the maintenance phase of a larger treatment plan to reverse gum disease. The therapy takes the form of periodic dental visits, where a periodontist oversees the following:
- A visual exam of the patient’s teeth and gums
- Medical imaging that enables the dentist to monitor the jawbone, teeth, and gums
- A deep clean that removes plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline
The dentist may recommend further treatment if the patient develops a new oral health issue. In the case of a cavity or tooth decay, the dentist will arrange treatment for the problem. They will oversee a new course of treatment if their patient suffers a recurrence of gum disease.
Benefits of periodontal therapy
Periodontal maintenance usually happens once every three, four, or six months. The frequency of these sessions depends on the health of the patient’s gums. For example, a patient recovering from severe gum disease will need frequent dental visits. The patient seeking treatment for mild gum disease may only need a periodontal therapy session once every six months.
Periodontal maintenance builds on the initial treatment for gum disease. Each aspect plays a role in keeping the gums healthy. Here is how.
1. A visual exam by a dentist checks for a resurgence of gum disease
The dentist will check for visible signs of gum disease every time they see their patient. They will check the depth of the gum pockets and confirm that they are less than 3mm deep. They will also check for bleeding and tenderness. These periodic checks are preventative measures that are useful in reversing a comeback of gum disease.
2. The dentist can keep tabs on the state of bones and gums
Treatment for periodontal disease should cause the regeneration of gum tissue and bone. A dentist can use medical imaging to monitor their patient’s recovery. These images are helpful tools that can alert the periodontist if bone tissue loss has occurred.
3. The dentist will perform a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup
The patient will receive a professional cleaning to prevent a bacterial attack on the teeth and gums. This is yet another preventative measure that keeps gum disease at bay.
4. The dentist will give advice on oral habits
Periodontal therapy is an opportunity for expert feedback on diet, oral hygiene, and other factors that affect gum health.
The journey to healthy gums is easier with the help of an experienced team
Our practice crafts custom treatment plans for our patients who suffer from gum disease. We will tailor a course of treatment that accounts for the severity of your periodontal disease. Reach us if you are near Tucson to learn more about periodontal maintenance and other therapies for gum disease.
Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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