Periodontal Maintenance vs Regular Cleanings

A common misconception is that dental cleanings are all the same. While removing plaque, preventing decay, and ensuring optimal oral health are the objectives of every dental cleaning, the processes can vary based on several factors. This article will briefly describe the differences between regular dental cleanings and periodontal (gum) maintenance.

Regular Dental Cleaning

Purely a preventative measure, a professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is part of a routine dental checkup. By flossing and polishing the teeth, these cleanings aim to remove irritants and plaque from the mouth. If not removed, plaque can harden to form tartar and lead to oral health complications. While a thorough oral hygiene regimen of flossing and brushing can prevent tartar buildup, inevitably some deposits may remain and require professional attention.

Part of routine dental checkups performed in the dentist’s office, regular cleanings are critical in avoiding periodontal disease and maintaining a healthy smile. If not removed from a regular dental cleaning, tartar can buildup, form under the gumline, lead to periodontal disease, and could cause bone or tooth loss. Prophylaxis also removes surface stains from the visible portion of the teeth above the gums. Regular cleanings are the best method for preventing gum disease and is recommended for any patient who does not have bone loss, gum disease, or infections in the teeth or mouth.

Prophylaxis offers additional benefits including:

  • Prevent tooth decay and cavities
  • Avoid tooth loss
  • Remove discoloration or stains from surface of teeth
  • Fresh breath
  • Improved overall health

Periodontal Maintenance

When regular dental cleanings are ineffective, a deep cleaning procedure may be performed to keep gum disease from progressing. People with periodontal disease may undergo a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing or undergo periodontal surgery. Performed after these treatments, the cleaning procedures are known as periodontal maintenance care.

A deeper, more thorough cleaning than prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance may be performed on patients with histories of gum disease and where “pockets” have formed in their gums. Spaces between the gums and teeth, pockets are areas where plaque and tartar can accumulate. While more extensive, periodontal maintenance is vitally important in restoring and maintaining bone and gum health as oral bacteria can lead to infection, inflammation, and lead to other health concerns.

Patients that have been prescribed a periodontal maintenance plan, will likely be required to visit the dentist or periodontist more often than every six months. Patients should adhere to the prescribed cleaning schedule as failure to do so, can allow disease to run rampant and cause irreversible damage to the teeth and gums. Gum recession, for example, could develop as disease progresses and put the patient at risk of losing their teeth. Because gum tissue does not grow back on its own, stopping recession from progressing is the best course of action.

The dentist or periodontist will discuss how frequently the cleaning procedures will be necessary and the patient’s options for anesthesia. The doctor can also review and work with the patient’s insurance carrier to determine what benefits are contributed towards.

More on Perio Maintenance : How Much Does Periodontal Maintenance Cost?