Maintenance

Plaque, if left unattended, transforms into stubborn calculus, or tartar, within just twenty-four hours. While daily home care helps manage plaque and tartar buildup, certain areas require specialized attention due to their inaccessibility.

Following completion of your periodontal treatment, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend regular maintenance cleanings, typically scheduled four times a year. During these appointments, thorough checks of pocket depths are conducted to ensure optimal gum health. Stubborn plaque and calculus, difficult for daily removal, are meticulously eliminated from both above and below the gum line.

In addition to periodontal cleaning and assessment, your appointment will encompass:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs) essential for detecting decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss, aiding in determining tooth and root positions.
• Evaluation of existing restorations, such as fillings and crowns.
• Assessment of tooth decay, examining all tooth surfaces for signs of decay.
• Oral cancer screening, examining facial and neck tissues for any indications of oral cancer.
• Oral hygiene recommendations, including suggestions for oral hygiene aids like electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, and fluorides rinses.
• Teeth polishing to remove stains and plaque not eliminated during brushing and scaling.

Practicing good oral hygiene and adhering to regular periodontal cleanings are pivotal in preserving dental health and managing periodontal disease effectively.