Periodontal Maintenance Fort Wayne IN![]() The Importance of Periodontal MaintenancePeriodontitis is an oral health condition that causes tooth decay and infection in the gumline. Infection from this disease can spread into the bloodstream and affect your overall health. It is important to treat this condition and ensure that it does not return. Periodontitis creates pockets, which are areas between the teeth and gum that form plaque and tartar. These pockets can sometimes be deeper than 4 millimeters and can house bacteria. Following periodontitis, you may also experience bleeding gums and exposed root surfaces. Periodontal maintenance works to keep these areas clean and prevents bacteria build-up. This protects you from further complications from this disease. ProcedureIn general, people with a history of periodontitis must have routine cleanings more often than every six months. Your hygienist will recommend a schedule for you based on the formation speed of plaque and tartar, bleeding, inflammation, condition stability, quality of self-care, and your medical history. You can expect to have this service three or four times per year. When you have periodontal maintenance, your hygienist will numb your mouth to maintain your comfort during the procedure. The main part of periodontal maintenance is scaling. This is when our dental professionals use an instrument to scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. They will need to reach the entire length of the tooth to ensure there are no bacteria under your gum. This may involve smoothing areas of the root if needed. Your hygienist will also monitor the condition of the pockets. They will look for inflammation as well as check the depth to ensure that they do not grow. This would indicate further decay and may require more extensive treatment. Your hygienist will also check for inflammation, which is a sign of infection. If there is inflammation, your hygienist may need to irrigate the pockets with an antibacterial solution. Self-CareSelf-care is crucial for preventing periodontitis. It is important to brush and floss daily, but this is especially critical if you have a history of periodontal disease. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush. The American Dental Association also recommends flossing at least once a day. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or other medication following your periodontal treatments. It is very important that you follow all of these instructions to prevent the disease from coming back. In addition, you will need to monitor the pockets that this disease has caused. Let us know if you experience any symptoms of infection, such as pain or inflammation. To schedule your periodontal maintenance, contact Summit Dental Group today. |