What is Periodontal Maintenance?

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. 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.

During regular dental cleanings, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth to identify any underlying issues. If none are present, they will perform a professional cleaning, which will involve removing tartar that has accumulated, removing visible stains on your teeth, and performing a professional flossing. These regular cleanings are recommended for any patient who does not have periodontal disease and/or bone loss.

Patients with periodontal disease will require a deeper cleaning, which is referred to as a scaling and root planing procedure. For more severe cases, periodontal surgery may also be necessary. 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. If you have been treated for periodontal disease, it is strongly recommended that you have regular periodontal maintenance care.

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.

Treating Periodontal Disease

There are generally three phases in treating periodontal disease, which include the following:

• Phase I: Etiological phase: This phase is focused on restoring healthy microbiota and managing the infection. Identification of the underlying cause of periodontal disease is also an important part of this stage, as this will inform future treatment plans. Scale and root planing procedure, prescribed medications, and education on how to improve at home care may also be included in this phase.
• Phase II: Surgical phase: If these treatment options are not effective in halting periodontal disease, surgical intervention may be necessary. These surgical procedures will remove the pockets that have formed between the bone and teeth in order to eliminate the accumulation of plaque, tartar and bacteria.
• Phase III: Maintenance phase: Once your periodontal disease is under control, the most important step you can take is preventing it from reoccurring. Periodontal maintenance is the best way to ensure you avoid developing similar issues in the future. During these appointments, which should be scheduled every three or four months, your dentist will evaluate your overall oral health and measure the depth of your pockets. They will also perform a regular dental cleaning or scale and root planing procedure if necessary. These visits will also be an opportunity for your dentist to review at home hygiene practices you should follow, such as brushing and flossing your teeth daily and using mouthwash to kill leftover bacteria.

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