Following the treatment of periodontal disease, it is vital that a patient keeps the Dental Checkup appointments that the dentist recommends. Periodontal maintenance, which typically requires dental check-ups every three months post-treatment, is essential for continuing results. Without routine maintenance, the patient risks a relapse in oral health.
Periodontal disease is a chronic oral health condition that affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Untreated gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults today. In the beginning stages, gum disease is painless and virtually unnoticeable, which is why many patients are unaware of its existence. Gum disease is caused by excessive plaque buildup and is characterized by a number of symptoms:
Preventing gum disease is simple since it merely requires regular brushing, flossing and a commitment to making each dental check-up appointment. However, when signs of the condition are present, early treatment is necessary to reverse it and prevent further damage.
Because periodontal disease is a chronic condition with no known cure, ongoing maintenance is necessary to preserve the health and integrity of the teeth. Without careful monitoring and the comprehensive care of a skilled dentist, a patient risks experiencing recurring gum disease in the future.
Once a dentist and patient have successfully combatted periodontal disease, the dentist will recommend periodontal maintenance procedures. These practices will enable the patient to gain control of the disease and increase the likelihood of long-term oral health.
Periodontal maintenance differs from the standard dental check-ups in two distinct ways. First, routine dental check-ups focus mainly on cleaning the teeth of healthy patients and removing calculus, plaque and stains from the tooth structure. Periodontal maintenance, on the other hand, is much more intensive and focuses on healing the gaps in the teeth, averting pain, preventing infection and restoring damaged areas.
Initial maintenance visits will consist of special cleaning treatments called root planing or scaling. These cleanings help to remove tartar and plaque buildup so that the gums can heal properly. Some patients may require surgical intervention. Once the gaps caused by the disease have shrunk, the dentist will focus on clearing the periodontal pockets of tartar and plaque buildup. To help prevent pain and further infection, a dentist may prescribe medication.
The second difference between routine and periodontal check-ups involves the frequency of visits. Routine dental check-ups usually occur every six months. Depending on the extent of the infection, however, a dentist may recommend periodontal maintenance every few weeks to every three months for gum disease patients. At each dental check-up, the dentist will monitor the patient’s mouth for disease progression and the effectiveness of the treatment. The dentist may increase or decrease the frequency of visits based on the health of the mouth.
Periodontal disease is a chronic and damaging condition that requires ongoing maintenance. If you notice signs of gum disease, schedule a dental check-up today.
Request an appointment here: https://gentlesmilesdentistcherryhillnj.com or call Gentle Smiles of Cherry Hill at (856) 282-4709 for an appointment in our Cherry Hill office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Understanding what happens during a general dentist visit allows patients to know what to expect. They are then more likely to undergo any necessary treatment that they need for good oral health. Knowing what to expect also helps those who experience dental anxiety.Wondering if a general dentist in Cherry Hill can provide you with the…
Curious about the importance of routine dental care? When it comes time for an annual checkup, the process can be quite troublesome and alarming for some people. Allowing for early detection by going to routine dental care checkups will keep your oral health on track. A checkup will show if a cavity needs attention, and…
Dentists typically ask a series of questions during a dental exam to gather more information about the patient’s oral health, previous dental history, and goals. This helps the dentist provide sound advice and allows them, along with the patient, to put together a long-term treatment and prevention plan.The questions you are asked during a dental…
A professional teeth cleaning is a necessary part of general dentistry care, but there are other important components, such as X-rays and examinations. X-rays are essential for a number of reasons, although they are not required nearly as often as routine teeth cleanings. Keep reading to find out more about the importance of X-rays. Below is…
CEREC® crowns are gaining popularity. Even so, there is only a limited number of clinics adopting the CEREC technology. Those who find dental facilities with this system are now enjoying the advantages of these crowns. If you want to find out more about the availability and popularity of CEREC crowns, here are the details.Traditional crowns…
Emergency dentistry provides the urgent treatments that you need when you need them. This can end up saving your life because untreated dental issues like infections can be life-threatening. Emergency dentistry also gets you relief from any pain and discomfort caused by the oral problem that you are struggling with.Wondering what life-threatening issues quick dental…