Maintaining gum and bone health following gum disease treatment is important for long-term results. With periodontal maintenance cleanings and exams, our team helps you manage oral bacteria you cannot reach to reduce the potential for recurrence of periodontal disease and maintain your periodontal health. Periodontal maintenance visits occur every 3-4 months and may be alternated with your general dentist. When gum disease is present, receiving a general cleaning (prophylaxis) every 6 months is insufficient in managing oral health as it is correlated with periodontal relapse.
In a typical visit for periodontal maintenance, you can expect an oral cancer screening, appropriate x-rays, complete exam, scaling, polish and review of your home oral hygiene habits.
How Do I Prevent Periodontal Disease from Returning?
Oral disease can become painful and debilitating. Thankfully, it can be treated. However, good hygiene and maintenance is required to prevent oral disease from returning. Here are a few ways to stop periodontal disease in its tracks:
- Having professional scaling and polish of your teeth at least every three months. This should be customized to your needs and to that of your disease.
- Controlling medical conditions, such as diabetes, that influence periodontal disease.
- Moving through recommended treatment in a timely manner. Spreading your periodontal care out over years versus months may not allow you to achieve the best outcome.
- Maintaining excellent home care.
Your Smile Deserves The Expertise of a Specialist.
There is no cure for gum disease. However, with periodontal management and meticulous homecare, you can arrest the disease process and minimize it’s effects on your oral and systemic health. As a diplomat and board-certified periodontist, Dr. Mason has advanced training and expertise in helping you manage your gum disease to enjoy a healthy, happy smile for years to come.
—Kim D.