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://www.yourhuntsvilledentist.com or call René A. Talbot, DDS at (256) 382-6690 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Huntsville, AL.
A dental checkup is one of the most important things to have done. General dentists recommend that check-ups be had at least twice a year. People of all ages should make these appointments a priority, so find out why below. Just like doctors' appointments, dentist appointments also play a crucial role in a person’s overall health.…
Looking for information on common dental visit issues? If you are currently experiencing one of more issues with your oral health, then finding out more about what is going on is a good idea. When there is something wrong with your teeth or gums, the sooner you find out why, the better. If you do…
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 Huntsville can provide you with the primary…
Flossing is a big part of preventive dentistry. It removes plaques, makes teeth less likely to decay and also reduces the risk of gum disease. You need to clean between your teeth every day, according to the American Dental Association. This can be difficult if you do not know what to do. Follow some tips…
Lumineers® are a type of veneers that do not require the removal of significant amounts of teeth enamel prior to their installation. Veneers are thin shells that are cemented to the front part of a person’s teeth. These restorations serve as masks, hiding defects and flaws on teeth they are cemented on.Veneers are designed to…
A regular dental cleaning is vital for maintaining optimal oral health. While many people understand the importance of these appointments, the specifics of what happens during dental cleanings may remain a bit mysterious.In this review, we discuss the procedure of a typical dental cleaning, providing insight into the process and highlighting its significance in preventive…