Gum Disease Periodontal Maintenance

What is Periodontal Maintenance?Periodontal Disease is similar to other chronic diseases, such as Diabetes. The key to control is early diagnosis and treatment, followed by prompt ongoing treatment. This entails periodontal maintenance procedures (PMP) or supportive periodontal therapy. PMP will help in gaining control of the disease and increase your chances of keeping your teeth.

If the bacterial plaque and tartar accumulation in the pocket is not cleaned out every 3-4 months, this bacteria can produce escalations in inflammation and trigger bone loss to start occurring again. This is why 3-4 month periodontal cleanings are very important.

Periodontal Maintenance Visit

Your periodontal maintenance visit will include:

• An update of your medical & dental history
• A periodontal examination & measurement of your periodontal pockets
• An oral cancer screening
• Tooth root cleaning & polishing
• Oral hygiene instructions

Team Approach

We work together with your general dentist as a team to provide you with the best possible care. Many times periodontal cleanings will be alternated between our office and your general dentist. During the cleaning at your general dentist’s office, they will concentrate on what is happening with your teeth above the gum line. When you see our office, we will concentrate mostly on what is happening below the gums.

Ongoing periodontal maintenance treatments in our office and dental visits and cleanings with your dentist will ensure your optimum oral health and highest possible care.

To prevent re-infection and avoid more periodontal treatment, it is quite important that you follow the periodontal maintenance program set out by your periodontist and your general dentist.