Many people are familiar with getting their teeth cleaned during their regular dental appointments, but many are unaware of the difference between regular cleanings and periodontal maintenance at Marin Contemporary Periodontics . Although the goal of any dental cleaning is to ensure you enjoy good oral health by preventing decay and removing plaque, the process of cleaning your mouth can vary depending on your unique needs.
Regular cleanings are recommended for patients whose mouths are free of infection and who do not have periodontal disease or bone loss. If you do not have gaps, recessed gums, bleeding, or impaired mobility of your teeth, a regular cleaning will be sufficient in maintaining your oral health. During regular dental cleanings, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth to identify any underlying issues. Following this, they will perform a regular cleaning, which will remove plaque, tartar and other irritants by cleaning, flossing, and polishing each tooth. Although brushing and flossing your teeth regularly at home will greatly reduce your risk of tartar accumulating, there are some deposits that simply require more attention to address, which is why these regular cleanings are so important.
If it is determined that you do have periodontal disease, a deeper cleaning called a scale and root planing procedure will be recommended, provided you are in the early stages of periodontal disease. The scale and root planing procedure involves the use of special instruments that remove the plaque and tartar that have accumulated above and below the gumline.
One consequence of periodontal disease is that the pockets of your gums have become deeper. Because these pockets collect plaque and tartar, it is important to have a professional deep cleaning on a frequent basis to prevent other issues from developing, such as gum recession, inflammation, infection, and/or the loss of teeth. For more severe cases, periodontal surgery may also be necessary.
To prevent periodontal disease from recurring, it is strongly recommended that patients schedule periodontal maintenance every three or four months. The frequency of your periodontal maintenance will largely depend on how quickly tartar and plaque accumulate, the amount of inflammation or bleeding that is present, and the overall stability of your oral and physical health. The most important thing you can do between visits and to ensure that the frequency of visits can be extended is to take excellent care of your teeth every single day. This means committing to brushing and flossing twice daily and taking additional steps, such as using a waterpik or antimicrobial mouthwash. Provided you take these proactive measures in addition to sticking with regular cleanings and/or periodontal maintenance, you will reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease and continue to enjoy a bright, healthy smile. Not only that, you will also reduce your risk of other health issues related to periodontal disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, and more.
If you have additional questions about periodontal maintenance versus regular cleaning, or if it has been some time since you have received either, contact your periodontist today to schedule an appointment.
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High Quality Periodontal Care You Can Trust
When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our services.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for All-on-4 Dental Implants is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.