Periodontal Maintenance Procedure
A critical dental treatment designed to halt periodontal disease from progressing, periodontal maintenance refers to procedures to thoroughly clean teeth. Gingivitis and gum disease occur above or below the gumline when bacteria from plaque invade the gum tissue. The bacteria cause irritation and an inflammatory response and if not addressed, bone and gum tissues are damaged causing teeth to shift, loosen, or fall out completely.
Reasons for Periodontal Maintenance
Prophylaxis, or teeth cleaning, is a procedure designed to halt gum disease from progressing and maintain oral health. Benefits of periodontal maintenance include:
- Tartar Removal: A hardened form of plaque, tartar can accumulate above and below the gumline and lead to serious periodontal problems if not treated. Despite the most thorough at-home flossing and brushing techniques, it can be difficult to completely remove bacteria, deposits, and debris from gum pockets. As such, an experienced dentist with specialized equipment is often required to identify and treat issues like plaque and tartar buildup.
- Aesthetics: Over time, teeth are susceptible to staining, yellowing, or discoloration which can make it difficult to feel confident about smiling. Periodontal maintenance helps remove unsightly stains from the teeth and brighten the smile.
- Freshens the Breath: Halitosis (chronic bad breath) often accompanies periodontal disease and is typically caused by rotting food debris below the gumline, gangrene from a periodontal infection, or gum problems. By removing the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that have accumulated, breath will be noticeably improved.
- Identify Health Issues: Health problems often initially present themselves to a dentist. Because the oral cavity is thoroughly examined during prophylaxis, the dentist can screen for oral cancers, evaluate periodontitis risk, and often identify medical problems like kidney problems and diabetes. Modifications to home care routine can also be recommended.
What is Involved with Periodontal Maintenance?
Prophylaxis can be performed either under general anesthesia or during a routine dental exam. General anesthesia is most commonly used when the dentist suspects or has diagnosed the patient with severe gum disease. To prevent harmful bacteria from reaching the lungs, an endotracheal tube is sometimes inserted into the patient’s throat.
Prophylaxis is generally comprised of several steps:
- Supragingival Cleaning: The dentist uses scaling tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from above the gumline.
- Subgingival Cleaning: The most important step in patients with gum disease, the dentist removes plaque and bacteria from gum pockets and underneath the gumline.
- Root Planing: Process where the dentist smooths out the tooth root surfaces to remove any remaining bacteria and make it harder for future plaque and bacteria to stick. Because the bacteria are extremely dangerous, their elimination is of the highest importance.
- Medication: After scaling and root planing has been performed, antibiotics may be applied to the gum pockets. Antibiotics help expedite healing and ease any discomfort.
- Examination and X-rays: When it comes to identifying periodontal disease, routine X-rays can be invaluable as they can shed light on the extent of gum and bone recession as well as identify any other areas that may warrant future attention.
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