Periodontal maintenance therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent the progression of periodontal disease in the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Periodontal maintenance is usually necessary for patients who have been diagnosed with and treated for periodontal disease.
Maintenance visits to the periodontist can help to prevent additional dental problems in the future, such as further bone and tooth loss. Treating the disease in their early stages can help to save you oral and overall health problems.
Why Is Periodontal Maintenance Necessary?
Gum disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. The toxins produced by these bacteria cause our bodies to destroy the bone that supports our teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and form calculus that can exacerbate the periodontal problem.
Even someone dedicated to good oral hygiene will be unable to completely prevent the formation of all calculus on the teeth. Calculus forms when the minerals in the saliva harden, or calcify, the plaque on the teeth. Plaque is soft and sticky, and is continually forming. It is therefore important to ensure proper, thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis to remove the plaque before it has the chance to solidify into calculus.
Flossing and brushing will help to keep the calculus formation to a minimum, but regular maintenance is needed to professionally remove what has accumulated because even the best flosser cannot reach beyond 2 mm into the periodontal pockets. During your maintenance cleaning, the hygienist will evaluate and record your periodontal pocket depths and check for hidden periodontal problems.
How Often D o I N eed A M aintenance Visit?
Once you have been diagnosed with periodontitis, you will always be in periodontal maintenance. Gum disease is chronic and because of this, periodontal maintenance will need to be performed. Adherence to a program of conscientious home oral care and regularly scheduled maintenance therapy visits with your dentist will give you an excellent chance of keeping your teeth for your lifetime.
To find out more about periodontal disease and periodontal maintenance please contact Maple Avenue Family Dentistry 401-237-4038.