Why Get Periodontal Maintenance?
If you’ve undergone treatment for gum disease, the bacteria responsible for the infection have been eliminated, and your oral health has been restored. However, you may still have some bone loss and deep periodontal pockets around your teeth that can trap bacteria from normal plaque and tartar buildup. To ensure your gums, bone, and teeth remain healthy and to prevent the progression of gum disease, you will need to receive periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months instead of the usual bi-annual teeth cleanings. Our team, experienced in providing periodontal maintenance in Waterford, CT, can help you maintain excellent oral health, even if you’ve previously been diagnosed with gum disease.
Know the Signs of Gum Disease
Gums that bleed easily
Tender, swollen gums
Loose teeth, changing bite
Gum recession
Persistent bad breath
The Steps of a Periodontal “Deep” Cleaning
You may be wondering why you require periodontal maintenance, and more frequently than normal teeth cleanings. This is because your mouth, though the original infection may have been eradicated with gum disease treatment, will need ongoing treatment to ensure the infection does not return. Periodontal maintenance is not a surgical procedure. It involves using a dental scaler to deep clean your teeth to remove bacterial plaque and tartar buildup on the entire length of each tooth and within the periodontal pockets.
Then, root planing smooths the rough edges of the teeth so gum tissue can firmly reattach and help seal out bacteria. During this appointment, we’ll also measure the periodontal pocket depths and evaluate your gum tissues for bleeding and any signs of inflammation. By completing these routine deep cleanings every few months, our team can help ensure that your gum disease does not return, and you have good oral health for years to come!