Maintenance

When you have periodontal disease, bacteria or plaque will keep forming around your teeth. Even after treatment for the disease, it can still come back as it is a chronic one. What’s more, if the built-up plaque is not removed, in only 24 hours it will turn into calculus or tartar.

You can usually take care of the plaque with regular and detailed cleanings at home, but some bacteria will always remain in those hard-to-reach places. That’s why your dentist will always suggest that you undertake regular periodontal maintenance cleanings. Plus, these cleanings are necessary for you to maintain gum and bone health.

Depending on the type and severity of periodontitis, as well as your ability to perform appropriate oral hygiene, the professional will suggest you undertake these procedures at specific intervals. On average, people have to get periodontal cleanings four times a year.

The treatment includes:

• Detailed cleaning – above and below the gum line to make sure all plaque and calculus are removed.
• Checking pockets – pocket depths are checked, and inflamed pockets are treated with antibiotics.
• Teeth polishing – to ensure all stains from the teeth are removed.
• Radiographs – to detect if there is any advanced damage like bone loss, decay, cysts, and more.
• Checking for oral cancer – detailed checkup of several areas where oral cancer can be spotted.

In the end, your dental professional will also perform examinations of existing restorations and will give you detailed suggestions on how to maintain oral hygiene properly.