Periodontal Maintenance

Sherman, TX

Professional dental cleanings are an important part of keeping your teeth and gums clean. They are one of the most effective methods of preventing gum disease, and controlling it in its early stages. Periodontal maintenance takes the routine dental cleaning one step further, in order to restore good health to your gums after a diagnosis of periodontal disease. At HomeTown Dental at Sherman we offer routine cleanings and periodontal maintenance, to protect the health of your mouth.

What To Expect During Routine Dental Cleanings

A preventative treatment, a professional dental cleaning focused on removing buildups of plaque and tartar from your teeth. Teeth are brushed with a mildly abrasive toothpaste. Our hygienist will floss between each tooth, to work free any debris that you may not be able to effective reach. Each tooth will be polished, to give you that beautiful smile you deserve.

Your dental cleaning is important, as it removes the tartar that can become a concern below the gumline. Even those who have excellent home oral care routines can find they have tartar deposits that need to be addressed.

Tartar that is not addressed in a timely manner can lead to the development of gum disease. Periodontal disease that is not addressed in its early stages can lead to a wide range of oral health concerns, including infection and the loss of one or more teeth. Those who have been diagnosed with gum disease may require more intense dental cleanings, also known as periodontal maintenance.

The Differences With Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is necessary after treatments for gum disease. Your treatments may have included scaling and root planning, along with periodontal-focused surgeries. These treatments offer a focus on removing the tartar buildup and will also address signs of infection present beneath the gumline. Once the treatment has concluded, periodontal maintenance should be scheduled in order to ensure the gum disease is well controlled.

Routine cleanings are preventative. Periodontal maintenance is more of a combination of preventative and treatment. The periodontal maintenance cleanings are more intensive and ensure a clean deeper. They address the periodontal pockets that are formed with gum disease.

Patients who are recovering from periodontal disease treatments are at a higher risk for a recurrence of gum disease. Even with a good home oral health routine, inflammation and tartar can become a concern again.

How Often Are Periodontal Maintenance Appointments Needed?

It is recommended that routine cleanings be scheduled twice a year. Your schedule for periodontal maintenance treatments will vary based upon need, but it is recommended that you be seen more frequently than is suggested for routine professional cleaning.

A delay in treatment can increase your risk for further damage to your gums and teeth. Gum disease that is untreated can result in the loss of one or more teeth, along with systemic infections that could result in stroke and heart attack.

Do Periodontal Maintenance Treatments Hurt?

There are several options to consider when it comes to anesthesia for your periodontal maintenance treatments. There can be some discomfort associated with the treatment, but it can be readily controlled with dental numbing solutions.

There may also be some mild tenderness in your gums after your treatment. It should subside with a few days after your treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can offer a measure of comfort.

Schedule your checkup and next professional cleaning with our dental professionals at HomeTown Dental at Sherman. Call (903) 224-7057 to make an appointment.