Gum Disease Prevention
Newport Beach, CA
 If you have been diagnosed with or have early warning signs of periodontal disease, it is vital that you receive periodontal maintenance. Our team at Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry offers periodontal maintenance as part of routine exams to manage your symptoms. Let us help you take control of your periodontal disease and bring back your smile’s shine.
Failure to treat the symptoms of periodontal disease can lead to worsening and more costly symptoms. If left untreated, periodontal disease can progress to periodontitis, which is severe inflammation of the gums. These unchecked symptoms can lead to tooth decay and possibly tooth loss, costing you money and the confidence of your smile.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a deeper form of routine cleaning that our team offers to treat your periodontal symptoms. This maintenance occurs during your regularly scheduled exam and teeth cleaning. However, it is required in slightly more frequent intervals. The purpose of this maintenance is to ensure that your periodontal symptoms are treated sufficiently and do not worsen.
In addition to traditional cleaning procedures, one of our professionals will clean any periodontal pockets that may have formed as a result of your periodontal disease. These pockets can trap tartar and plaque, which can lead to tooth decay if not regularly cleaned. They can also trap food debris and foreign bodies, which can lead to infection and inflammation. These pockets are located between the teeth and gumline.
This regular maintenance will prevent your periodontal symptoms from progressing. In addition, periodontal treatments can help restore your gum and bone health. These treatments can increase the longevity of your natural teeth and prevent additional problems from developing.
How Often Do I Need Periodontal Maintenance?
While similar to regular cleanings recommended every six months, periodontal maintenance is generally recommended at least quarterly. Following a consistent periodontal maintenance plan is key to restoring your teeth and gums to optimal health. Our team will review further periodontal maintenance procedures and frequency with you during your visit.
What Occurs During a Periodontal Maintenance Exam?
During your initial visit and exam, our team will inspect your teeth and gums. They will gather a series of measurements from your gum line. If these measurements fall outside of the normal, healthy range, our team will review treatment options with you. They will schedule a periodontal maintenance appointment or complete the maintenance the same day, depending on our professional’s recommendations.
If necessary, you may be recommended for periodontal maintenance procedures called root planing and scaling. Root planing is a procedure that involves smoothing the root of your tooth. By removing this debris, our team can facilitate the reattachment of the gum to the base of the tooth.
Scaling is used in conjunction with root planing. One of our team members will use a tiny metal tool to remove tartar and plaque from below your gumline. Both scaling and root planing must be completed so that the gum can reattach to the root of the tooth.
If you have concerns about periodontal symptoms or have been previously diagnosed with periodontal disease, our restorative dentistry and general dentistry at Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry can help. Contact us today at 949-991-2499
so we can start you on the path to better gum health. |
