Periodontal Disease Maintenance

Guidance from Your Dentist and Hygienist

After your periodontal treatment, your dentist and dental hygienist may recommend maintenance cleanings about four times a year. During these cleanings, they'll closely check the depths of pockets in your gums and remove plaque and calculus that's hard to reach during daily cleaning.

Your session typically includes the following, alongside your periodontal cleaning:

• Checking Radiographs: X-rays help find problems like bone loss, cysts, and tumors.
• Locating Teeth: X-rays can also help locate teeth and their roots.
• Assessing Restorations: Recent crowns or fillings are examined for any issues.
• Checking for Decay: All tooth surfaces are checked for signs of decay.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Signs of oral cancer on the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums are examined.
• Oral Hygiene Tips: Recommendations for oral hygiene products, like fluoride, special brushes, electric toothbrushes, and mouthwashes, are given as needed.
• Polishing: This step removes stains or plaque that regular brushing might miss.

Maintaining Dental Health

Keeping your teeth healthy and managing periodontal disease involves regular periodontal cleanings and good oral hygiene practices.