Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal Maintenance
A periodontal maintenance procedure is a specialized type of cleaning for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. Similar to a regular dental cleaning, its objective is to clean your teeth in order to remove any presence of plaque, tartar, or stains. However, while a regular cleaning is considered as a preventive procedure, periodontal maintenance is a type of treatment. As periodontal disease cannot be cured, it is crucial to control its progression and minimize the risks of damage to your mouth. At HomeTown Dental, Fort Worth (Sycamore), our goal is to give you the professional care you deserve so you can be free from both discomfort and pain.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is what is known as a sporadic and site-specific bacterial infection to the gum tissue that holds your teeth. The bacteria become pathologic when it exists more than 4 millimeters below the gumline, as it cannot be removed by standard brushing and flossing. It slowly damages the gums over time and creates “pockets” between them and your teeth, where it can remain and reproduce. The infection creates inflammation, swelling, and mild bleeding. If left untreated, it can lead to bigger problems such as jawbone and gum resorption, as well as diabetes or heart disease (if it spreads to other parts of the body).
The Periodontal Maintenance Procedure
In a regular cleaning, only the crowns of your teeth and the upper roots that may be exposed will be addressed by the procedure. During a periodontal maintenance, however, we will remove existing tartar or plaque from deep within the gums and teeth, typically stopping where they meet with the jawbone. This will be done by a process called scaling, which involves the numbing of the treated area and the use of thin metal tools, known as a scaler and a curette. We may also use an ultrasonic instrument, which possesses a cool water spray and a vibrating tip.
Following the scaling, we often perform a root planing. This is where the roots of your teeth will be smoothed so your gums can easily reattach to them, making it harder for bacteria to appear. Moreover, we will also evaluate the current health of your gums, the depth of their pockets, and if necessary, treat the infection and inflammation with antiseptic medication.
How It Will Help In The Long Run
By eliminating the debris of your teeth and gums, we are controlling and preventing it from causing any lasting complications. A mouth free of tartar will have a fresher breath and feel and look much healthier. Still, due to the nature of the disease, bacteria can and will form again, so periodontal maintenance is highly recommended – if not necessary – at least every 3-4 months. This is so we can monitor, clean, and remove any bacteria before it becomes problematic again. This way we can ensure that you can enjoy your mouth to its fullest, without any discomfort.
Early action and professional care help to ensure the best outcome if you happen to have gum disease. If you or someone you know is suffering from periodontal disease, or you would like to learn more about this condition, please do not hesitate to reach us at HomeTown Dental, Fort Worth (Sycamore) by calling us at (817) 224-2251 today.