Periodontal Maintenance
Happy Valley, OR
 Periodontal disease is a serious oral health condition, but it doesn’t seem that way when it starts. In fact, the earliest stages of periodontal disease are often ignored. As the disease progresses, your oral health and your overall health are put in jeopardy. At Fusion Dental Specialists, we offer periodontal maintenance, helping to get your gum disease under control and get your oral health back on track.
The Progression of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis. This stage of gum disease is practically invisible and therefore goes unnoticed. Symptoms - red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush and floss - are often chalked up to a too vigorous hygiene routine. As it progresses, your gums start to pull away from your teeth, and bacteria fall below the gum line. From inside, the bacteria attack your jawbone and supporting structures of your teeth, weakening them. Eventually, your gums recede, your teeth become loose, and you may even lose your teeth altogether.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance involves periodic scheduled cleanings of your teeth. While performed every three months, your specific schedule will depend upon your unique needs. The visits begin with a thorough oral exam. During this exam, we measure the depth of your periodontal pockets, assess the condition of your teeth and take x-rays, which allow us to see the condition of your mouth below the gum line. Then we move on to scaling and root planing.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a procedure that essentially deep cleans your teeth. Scaling works on the surfaces of your teeth. With a special scaling tool, we remove plaque, tartar (hardened plaque that cannot be removed with a toothbrush), and bacteria from your teeth, including between them and below the gum line. Root planing involves the smoothing of your root’s surfaces, removing plaque, bacteria, and toxins. With a smooth surface, bacteria cannot adhere. We finish by administering an antibacterial wash below the gum line, killing off any lingering bacteria.
Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
There are numerous benefits to periodontal maintenance, including:
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Slowing the progression of periodontal disease, and eventually starting to reverse the effects.
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Allows your gums to heal. The irritation and inflammation are reduced, and the periodontal pockets are lessened. Eventually, your gums can reseal properly around your teeth.
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Removes not only plaque but tartar buildup, which cannot be removed with at home brushing.
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Helps to remove bacteria and infection below the gum line.
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Protects your teeth, and prevents them from falling out. |
Taking Care of Your Mouth Between Visits
Periodontal maintenance can help to reverse the effects of periodontal disease, but you must also take care of your mouth at home, in between visits, as well. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least one a day are crucial. This will help to remove any new plaque buildup as well as reduce oral bacteria and get rid of lingering food particles. It can also help greatly to make sure that you eat a healthy diet filled with nutrient dense foods. A healthy diet can help your teeth and gums to heal faster and stay strong and healthy after doing so.
If periodontal disease has taken hold of your mouth, contact Fusion Dental Specialists at (503) 653-2299 today to find out if periodontal maintenance can help! |
