Periodontal Maintenance Services
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth’s root after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach to a cleaner and smoother root surface. Read instructions about scaling and root planing aftercare.
Periodontal Maintenance Program
Routine periodontal maintenance is essential to protect the results of your gum disease treatment and prevent recurrence.
Home care is an extremely important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but even excellent home care cannot prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it can harden, becoming calculus (tartar). We will recommend a periodontal maintenance program that is tailored to you based on how quickly you develop tartar and your past and current periodontal health. During your maintenance visits, we will perform an oral examination and a dental cleaning. These visits are typically recommended every 3 to 4 months, depending on your individual needs.
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During an oral examination, a visual inspection is performed to detect normal and abnormal structures of the entire mouth, head, and neck. Along with radiographs, an examination detects cavities, problems with existing dental work, gum and bone recession and any other abnormal findings within the mouth, head and neck.
A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth and polish the tooth surfaces.
Staying on a regular maintenance schedule is key to preserving your periodontal health and preventing future dental complications.
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What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
Without regular care and maintenance, poor oral hygiene can result in gum inflammation (gingivitis) or advanced gum disease (periodontitis) if not treated professionally. Common symptoms include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth. Click below to learn more about periodontal disease and the serious impact it can have on your oral health and overall well-being.