Following the treatment of periodontal disease, it is vital that a patient keeps the dental checkup appointments that the dentist recommends. Periodontal maintenance, which typically requires dental check-ups every three months post-treatment, is essential for continuing results. Without routine maintenance, the patient risks a relapse in oral health.
Periodontal disease is a chronic oral health condition that affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Untreated gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults today. In the beginning stages, gum disease is painless and virtually unnoticeable, which is why many patients are unaware of its existence. Gum disease is caused by excessive plaque buildup and is characterized by a number of symptoms:
Preventing gum disease is simple since it merely requires regular brushing, flossing and a commitment to making each dental check-up appointment. However, when signs of the condition are present, early treatment is necessary to reverse it and prevent further damage.
Because periodontal disease is a chronic condition with no known cure, ongoing maintenance is necessary to preserve the health and integrity of the teeth. Without careful monitoring and the comprehensive care of a skilled dentist, a patient risks experiencing recurring gum disease in the future.
Once a dentist and patient have successfully combatted periodontal disease, the dentist will recommend periodontal maintenance procedures. These practices will enable the patient to gain control of the disease and increase the likelihood of long-term oral health.
Periodontal maintenance differs from the standard dental check-ups in two distinct ways. First, routine dental check-ups focus mainly on cleaning the teeth of healthy patients and removing calculus, plaque and stains from the tooth structure. Periodontal maintenance, on the other hand, is much more intensive and focuses on healing the gaps in the teeth, averting pain, preventing infection and restoring damaged areas.
Initial maintenance visits will consist of special cleaning treatments called root planing or scaling. These cleanings help to remove tartar and plaque buildup so that the gums can heal properly. Some patients may require surgical intervention. Once the gaps caused by the disease have shrunk, the dentist will focus on clearing the periodontal pockets of tartar and plaque buildup. To help prevent pain and further infection, a dentist may prescribe medication.
The second difference between routine and periodontal check-ups involves the frequency of visits. Routine dental check-ups usually occur every six months. Depending on the extent of the infection, however, a dentist may recommend periodontal maintenance every few weeks to every three months for gum disease patients. At each dental check-up, the dentist will monitor the patient’s mouth for disease progression and the effectiveness of the treatment. The dentist may increase or decrease the frequency of visits based on the health of the mouth.
Periodontal disease is a chronic and damaging condition that requires ongoing maintenance. If you notice signs of gum disease, schedule a dental check-up today.
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