Periodontal maintenance therapy is care specialized in preventing the recurrence of periodontal disease. Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis — begins with the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
If the bacteria growth is left unchecked, you can experience tooth loss. This is the result of tissue destruction surrounding your teeth. Harmful bacteria causing gum disease reoccurs after three to four months of treatment.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease damages the tissue that supports the teeth. Gum disease progresses gradually and painlessly. However, the bacteria causing the problem can sometimes be very active and end up causing soreness. The bone supporting your teeth can be lost over the years if the disease is unhandled. Periodontal disease has the following symptoms:
Bad breath
Receding gums
Swollen gums
Development of space between teeth
Puffy gums
Pus between teeth and gums
Pain while chewing
Loose teeth
Tender gums
Purple or bright red gums
How Is Periodontal Maintenance Done?
Periodontal maintenance therapy applies deep cleaning to ensure oral health. Your hygienist removes tartar exactly like regular cleaning. Your doctor will clean between your gums and teeth through root planing and scaling. He or she will inspect gum pockets to check for signs of inflammation before applying disinfectant to control any infection or inflammation present.
The Difference Between Deep Cleaning and Regular Cleaning
Regular Cleaning - Regular cleaning is a form of preventative care. It is what you do when your teeth, gums, and mouth are in good health. Going for regular cleanings is vital. Negligence can lead to a buildup of plaque, bacteria, and tartar that results in periodontal disease.
Deep Cleaning - Deep cleaning is necessary to do more than what regular cleaning can do. Periodontal maintenance is only essential for people suffering from periodontal disease. Deep cleaning is crucial in halting the advance of periodontal disease. Without deep cleaning, periodontal disease can grow and cause adverse harm to your gums and teeth.
Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance Therapy?
If you have already undergone treatment for periodontal disease, you certainly need to go through periodontal maintenance treatment to reduce the risk of re-infection. The risk of gum disease progression can be mitigated through the deep cleaning done during the therapy. Periodontal disease has no cure, but periodontal maintenance therapy can manage your oral health.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your dentist will use special sterilized tools to clean all around your gumline. Cleaning above and below the gums is done carefully. Your hygienist cannot damage your gum or teeth structure during the process.
Treatment plans depend on the extent of the damage. Your treatment can involve:
Active treatment of infected areas
Use of prescription mouthwash
Use orally placed medicine
Optimal oral hygiene and health are achievable when you regularly schedule appointments with your dentist for a cleaning. If your hygienist suggests that you need periodontal maintenance therapy, do not ignore the suggestion.
The need for periodontal maintenance therapy is an indication that you have irreversible periodontal disease that can cause adverse damage. Heed the advice and start treatment as soon as possible so you can enjoy healthy and pain-free oral health.
For more on periodontal maintenance therapy, contact Marine Park Periodontics & Implantology at our office in Brooklyn, New York. You can call (646) 863-4810 today to schedule an appointment.
