Maintain Gum Health at Trusted Dental Care
Maintaining healthy gums is essential for a beautiful smile and overall well-being. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a significant threat to oral health, potentially leading to tooth loss and other serious health issues. At Trusted Dental Care in Wylie, TX, we offer professional periodontal maintenance services to help manage and prevent the progression of gum disease.
If you’re been diagnosed with periodontal disease, contact our dentist in Wylie at (214) 702-0446 to schedule your appointment.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized dental cleaning procedure designed to prevent the recurrence or progression of periodontal (gum) disease after you’ve received treatment for the condition. Unlike routine teeth cleanings, which focus on removing plaque and tartar from above the gum line, periodontal maintenance involves a deeper cleaning that targets plaque and bacteria below the gum line, where gum disease can take hold.
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, maintaining a strict schedule of periodontal maintenance is crucial to keeping your gums healthy and preventing the disease from returning. Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the patient’s condition and the recommendation of their dentist or periodontist.
Key Differences Between Routine Dental Cleaning and Periodontal Maintenance
Routine Cleaning (Prophylaxis):
- Focuses on preventing gum disease for patients with healthy gums.
- Removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line.
- Recommended every six months for maintaining general oral health.
Periodontal Maintenance:
- For patients who have already been treated for gum disease.
- Removes plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line.
- Usually scheduled more frequently, often every 3 to 4 months.
- Targets areas that are prone to infection and inflammation, preventing disease recurrence.
Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
There are many benefits to periodontal maintenance, including:
- Prevents periodontal disease from progressing: This type of dental cleaning helps remove bacteria and plaque buildup, preventing periodontal disease from worsening.
- Prevents tooth loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular periodontal cleaning appointments can help prevent this from happening.
- Maintains oral health: Periodontal maintenance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and can prevent other oral health problems, such as cavities and bad breath.
- Helps detect other health problems: Your dentist or periodontist may be able to detect other health problems during your periodontal cleaning appointments, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?
Patients may need periodontal maintenance if they suffer from:
- Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed when you brush or floss could be a sign of gum disease.
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath may indicate an excess of bacteria in your mouth.
- Gum Recession: If your gums are pulling away from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth surface or even the roots, this is a clear indication of gum disease.
- Loose Teeth: Gum disease weakens the bone and tissues that support your teeth, making them loose or wobbly.
The Periodontal Maintenance Process
The periodontal maintenance process typically involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Here’s what you can expect:
- Medical and Dental History Review: Our dentist or hygienist will review your medical and dental history to monitor any changes in your overall health or oral health status.
- Thorough Cleaning: A detailed cleaning is performed, including:
- Scaling: Removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
- Root Planing: Smoothing the root surfaces to discourage further bacterial growth
- Antibacterial Rinse: A medicated rinse may be applied to further reduce bacteria in deep pockets.
- Gum Pocket Measurement: Dr. G or one of our dental hygienists will measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth to assess the health of your gums.
- Evaluation: We will evaluate your gums for signs of infection, inflammation, or regression.
- Polishing: Teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and create a smooth surface where bacteria have a harder time adhering.
- Personalized Oral Care Instructions: You will be given instructions on how to care for your gums and teeth at home, including brushing, flossing, and the use of antibacterial mouth rinses.
The Cost of Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings
On average, periodontal maintenance appointments can cost between $150 to $300. The cost will vary depending on the location, the experience of the dentist or periodontist, and your insurance coverage. In general, it’s more expensive than a regular dental cleaning, but most dental insurance plans cover all or a portion of the costs. Patients should check with their insurance provider to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Ask your dentist if they have any special discounts or provide financing options.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums at Home
To help keep periodontal disease from recurring, our Wylie dentist has provided tips on how to maintain healthy gums at home:
- Brush and floss teeth regularly
- Use mouthwash
- Quit smoking
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Stay hydrated
- Keep up with a routine dental cleaning schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the recommendation of your dentist or periodontist and your individual needs.
Periodontal maintenance isn’t usually painful. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the cleaning process. Your dental hygienist can use numbing agents or adjust the cleaning technique to make you more comfortable.
Skipping periodontal maintenance is risky if you have a history of gum disease. Without regular care, plaque and bacteria can quickly accumulate in your gum pockets, potentially leading to more aggressive disease, which may result in tooth loss or the need for more invasive treatments.
Periodontal maintenance isn’t a cure for gum disease, but it can help manage and control the progression of the disease. Consistent and proper oral hygiene habits, along with regular periodontal maintenance appointments, can help keep periodontal disease under control.
Protect Your Gums With Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is a critical preventive treatment that can help patients manage and control the progression of periodontal disease. You should schedule a periodontal maintenance appointment if you have a history of gum disease or are at risk for developing gum disease. Our Wylie dentist is willing to help you get the dental care you need.
Contact us today at (214) 702-0446 to get your appointment scheduled.