Periodontal Maintenance: Ensuring Optimal Gum Health
Table of Contents
- What is Periodontal Disease?
- Treatment for Periodontitis
- Why is Periodontal Maintenance Necessary?
- Additional Information and Statistics
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, is the loss of bone caused by inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. This inflammation is usually caused by plaque and tartar that results in very irritated and painful gums. Tartar, or calculus, is the accumulation and calcification of plaque. This calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss and should be removed by a dental professional to ensure proper gum health.
What is the Treatment for Periodontitis?
The treatment for periodontitis usually starts with the most conservative method, which is a deep cleaning. A deep cleaning of your teeth is known as scaling and root planing (SRP). Deep teeth cleaning usually involves local anesthesia or topical anesthesia to numb your gum tissue for your comfort. Calculus and bacteria are removed from underneath your gum tissue, which can be uncomfortable without the numbing. The pockets of your gum tissue around your teeth are thoroughly rinsed out and cleaned of all the irritations that have accumulated. Read more on the process of a deep cleaning here.
If the conservative treatment of scaling and root planing doesn’t improve your gum health, a referral to a periodontist may be necessary. The periodontist may choose to treat select areas surgically. Read more on what periodontists do here.
Why is Periodontal Maintenance Necessary?
Periodontal maintenance is important in maintaining the health of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. It is a routine cleaning that occurs more frequently than the traditional prophylaxis (regular dental cleaning). More frequent cleanings mean that the bacterial load around the teeth and under the gums is reduced, promoting proper gum health. Periodontal maintenance is regular dental cleanings every 3 months in order to reduce the amount of bacteria around the teeth, to prevent further bone loss. If a deep cleaning is performed and then periodontal maintenance isn’t done regularly, bacteria levels can become damaging in as few as 90 days.
Additional Information and Statistics
Periodontal maintenance is a series of appointments that are performed after deep cleanings to prevent the recurrence of gum disease. During periodontal maintenance appointments, the dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, check for signs of gum disease, and provide education on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home.
Periodontal maintenance is essential for people who have had deep cleanings. Without periodontal maintenance, the bacteria that cause gum disease can quickly repopulate and lead to the recurrence of the disease.
Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every 3 to 4 months. However, the frequency of appointments may vary depending on the severity of the gum disease and the patient's individual risk factors.
Periodontal maintenance is covered by most dental insurance plans. However, it is important to check with your insurance company to see what is covered and how much you will have to pay out of pocket.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, about 70% of people who have deep cleanings will need periodontal maintenance. Without periodontal maintenance, the risk of recurrence of gum disease is 50% within 2 years and 70% within 5 years. Periodontal maintenance is an effective way to prevent the recurrence of gum disease. Studies have shown that periodontal maintenance can help to keep gum disease under control and prevent tooth loss. The cost of periodontal maintenance varies depending on the frequency of appointments and the location of the dentist. However, it is typically less expensive than the cost of treating gum disease.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.