In addition to regular, daily oral hygiene, periodontal maintenance is highly suggested to patients who have been diagnosed with or treated for periodontal disease (gum disease). Unlike a regular cleaning where stains, plaque, and tartar above the gums are removed, periodontal maintenance is much more involved. Provided below, you will find a few facts about what to expect when you visit Dr. Randy J. Greenberg, dentist in Wallingford, for periodontal maintenance:
• The overall goal of periodontal maintenance, once you have been treated for periodontal disease, is to manage the bacteria, maintain the health of your gums, and improve your overall oral health..
• Typically, periodontal maintenance is a program in which you have maintenance cleanings typically every three to four months.
• Scaling is a method used to remove deposits both above and below the gum line.
• Root planing will smooth enamel surfaces so that the surrounding gums can heal properly and reattach to the teeth.
• Antibiotics may be used under your gum line to help fight bacterial development.
• The frequency of visits is determined by how severe the gum disease is, how the patient has reacted to previous treatments and, most importantly, the quality and diligence of home care.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Over half of Americans have some type of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This disease is formed by bacteria that live within the plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth. Gum disease begins as gingivitis and can progress to periodontal disease if left untreated. If detected and treated in the early stage of gingivitis, the condition is reversible. Once the disease has reached the deeper tissue levels and caused destruction of supporting bone, it is considered to be periodontal disease, the effects of which are irreversible.
Periodontal Disease Symptoms — It is Not Just Bad Breath
One of the most common symptoms of gum disease, which can also be the only one for some people, is bad breath. Additional symptoms include:
• receding gums
• bleeding gums
• loose teeth
• swollen or red gums
Once you have been diagnosed with and treated for periodontal disease, it is very important that you adhere to a periodontal maintenance program. If you have any symptoms of gum disease, like bad breath, call Dr. Greenberg, dentist in Wallingford, to schedule your appointment today.