Top-Notch Periodontal Maintenance in the Bronx

Periodontal diseases are gum infections that can destroy the support of natural teeth. As you probably already know, we’re all susceptible to gum disease. The most common cause of gum disease is plaque and tartar.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless bacterial film that constantly forms on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that continuously attack your teeth and gums. If you don’t remove plaque, it hardens into a rough deposit called tartar or calculus.

People who brush and floss regularly minimize the formation of tartar, but that doesn’t completely prevent it. Professional teeth cleaning (prophylaxis) can help to maintain proper oral health. People with periodontal disease, however, need more than just regular cleaning. They need periodontal maintenance. Contact us at Throgs Neck Dental for periodontal care in the Bronx.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance forms part of ongoing treatment to maintaining healthy gums in patients with active periodontal disease. According to research findings, patients who undergo active periodontal treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, and fail to maintain an appropriate periodontal maintenance plan will lose up to three times more teeth than those who have ongoing periodontal maintenance.

The Importance of Periodontal Maintenance

Regardless of how careful you are in maintaining proper oral hygiene, bacterial plaque can cause gum disease a couple of months after a professional cleaning.  Unfortunately, it is especially the case if you already have periodontal disease. Periodontal maintenance helps keep the number of bacteria in the mouth under control and is a crucial part of ongoing treatment.

How Often Do I Need Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance helps identify hidden problems and remove hardened calculus at time intervals appropriate for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The exact frequency will likely depend on the severity of your periodontal disease and how you control it. However, most people need periodontal maintenance every three to four months, and your dental professional will provide a customized treatment plan.

In addition to deep cleaning, your periodontal maintenance will usually include:

Examination of existing restorations: Checking dental crowns, fillings, etc.

Examination of diagnostic X-rays: X-rays help detect tooth decay, bone loss, cysts, and tumors. They also help to determine tooth and root positions.

Oral cancer screening: Checking the face, lips, tongue, neck, throat, soft tissue, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Oral hygiene recommendations: Reviewing and recommending oral hygiene regimens, products, and equipment.

Examination of tooth decay: Checking teeth surfaces for signs of deterioration.

Teeth polishing: Removing plaque and stains that won’t come off during brushing and scaling.

Do you have periodontal disease, or have you noticed early symptoms of dental health issues? Contact Throgs Neck Dental today for periodontal maintenance in the Bronx. Dial (718) 518-8100 to book your appointment.