Periodontal Maintenance - A Window into Your Oral Health

Keeping up with periodontal maintenance (PMCs) is essential for those diagnosed with gum disease. It helps control bacterial growth, manage symptoms, and maintain overall oral health.

Periodontal maintenance is different from a regular dental cleaning, known as prophylaxis. It is important to understand the difference so that you can receive treatment when needed.

Prevents the recurrence of gum disease

After an initial treatment of periodontal disease, such as scaling and root planning, or periodontal surgery, our Beaufort dentist or dental hygienist will perform maintenance procedures to help prevent gum disease from reoccurring. During this procedure, harmful bacteria are removed from deep pockets between the teeth and gums using handheld or ultrasonic instruments. The roots are then smoothed to reduce future bacterial buildup and encourage gum tissue reattachment.

Regular oral hygiene and consistent attendance of periodontal maintenance Fort Walton Beach FL appointments control bacterial growth and prevent the progression of gum disease. Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically required every three to four months, though the exact frequency of visits can vary by patient need and the severity of the case.

Gum disease is a serious oral health concern that can cause painful and unpleasant symptoms. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious overall health issues. By following the recommended periodontal maintenance schedule, we can successfully manage your condition and protect your smile for a lifetime.

Maintains the improvements achieved through initial treatments

Regular periodontal maintenance allows us to monitor and manage the progression of your gum disease. During these appointments we thoroughly clean your teeth above and below the gum line, and remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from hard to reach places in your mouth. We may also perform tooth scaling and root planing, apply a fluoride treatment or other topical treatments, and reassess your periodontal status including repeat measurements of your pockets.

These visits are important to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease, and maintain improvements achieved through prior treatments such as scaling and root planning or bone grafting. Effective periodontal maintenance is a team effort between you and our office. Attending scheduled visits, following our recommendations for home care, and making sure to schedule your next appointment are essential.

We generally recommend that patients receive periodontal maintenance Fort Walton Beach FL cleanings every three to four months. The frequency will depend on your specific needs, the severity of your gum disease, and how consistently you practice good oral hygiene at home.

Prevents tooth loss

Your oral health is a window into your overall health. Untreated gum disease, or periodontitis, not only leads to tooth loss but has also been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Periodontal maintenance appointments, along with a thorough self-exam routine at home, will prevent the progression of the disease and maintain the improvements achieved through initial treatments.

During periodontal maintenance visits, the dental professional removes accumulated plaque, tartar (calculus), and stain above and below the gum line. The hygienist may also perform what is called a scaling and root planing. This procedure involves deeper cleaning of the pockets and is performed when the periodontist sees evidence of more advanced gum disease.

The best way to control periodontal disease is through good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and consistent professional cleanings. However, despite the best efforts of patients who follow proper dental care, the disease can recur. Periodontal maintenance will help ensure that the infection does not advance to more serious forms of gum disease and will preserve your smile.

Maintains overall oral health

Regular dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are a vital part of oral hygiene. However, they can’t remove plaque and tartar from the hard-to-reach places that periodontal maintenance treatment can.

Periodontal maintenance aims to control the progression of gum disease by removing bacterial buildup, mitigating inflammation, and monitoring any signs of deterioration. It complements a consistent home care routine and makes it easier to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Several factors influence how often you might need periodontal maintenance fort walton beach fl. The severity of your periodontal disease is the most significant determinant, as is the consistency of your at-home oral health regimen.

Poor oral health has been linked to a number of other serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By keeping your gums healthy through periodontal maintenance, you can reduce your risk of these problems and save money on costly treatments in the future. This is why it’s so important to visit our dentist regularly.