Several patients who have advanced gum disease treatment often ask, “What exactly is periodontal maintenance, and why is it essential?” After completing the early treatment to address vigorous periodontal disease, specialized constant care becomes significant to safeguard the health of your gums and prevent the disease from recurring. In this article, we’ll dive into what periodontal maintenance is and why it plays such a key role in sustaining your oral health.
What Is Perio Maintenance?
Perio maintenance, or periodontal maintenance, is a expert dental cleaning procedure designed for people who have comprehensive treatment for gum disease. This procedure, classified under dental code D4910, involves thorough cleanings executed at regular intervals to manage gum health.
It differs from a routine cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, which is intended to prevent oral health issues in people without gum disease. Since routine cleanings aim to stop issues before they develop, they are not suitable for patients with a history of periodontal disease. In contrast, perio maintenance targets on therapeutic cleaning to manage and prevent the recurrence of your gum issues.
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Who Needs Perio Maintenance?
Anyone who has received treatment for periodontal disease requires continuing perio maintenance. This cleaning is crucial for the people who no longer have active gum disease but stay at high risk for future break outs. However, it is not intended for people with healthy gums, who should continue with regular cleanings. Similarly, individuals with active gum disease will require treatment to deal with the condition before moving to a maintenance period.
Perio maintenance facilitates control bacterial growth and inflammation in areas that are tough to clean with standard brushing and flossing, making sure the disease does not come again.
Why Is Perio Maintenance More Expensive Than Routine Cleanings?
Perio maintenance often charges more than usual dental cleanings due to the elevated complexity of the practice. The hygienist or dentist must eliminate plaque and tartar not only from above the gumline but also from deeper areas under the gums.
People with earlier gum disease tend to have bacterial growth on the roots of their teeth, which need more subtle care. Since tooth roots lack the protecting enamel coating, they are more sensitive and can be easily damaged during cleaning. This procedure needs careful handling and dedicated tools to comprehensively clean the area without damaging the root surfaces.
Why Are Perio Maintenance Visits Needed More Often?
People who have had gum disease are generally recommended to schedule perio maintenance every 3-4 months, rather than the typical six-month intermissions for regular cleanings. This is because bacteria can build up deep under the gumline, especially in areas where your toothbrushes and floss cannot reach effectively. Even with the best oral hygiene practices, these hidden pockets create a propagation ground for dangerous bacteria.
Repeated maintenance visits allow your dentist to intervene early, reducing the chance of illness returning. In some high-risk cases, some individuals may even require maintenance cleanings every six weeks to manage bacterial growth effectively.
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Can I Switch Back to Regular Cleanings?
If you have achieved complete gum health you may be able to return to routine cleanings. However, this is uncommon. To convert back to typical cleanings, there must be no signs of pocketing around your teeth, meaning that bacteria are no longer growing below the gums. Achieving this typically needs early detection, successful treatment, and attentive home care.
For most people with a history of gum illness, perio maintenance remains a all-time requirement. Standard maintenance cleanings assist in keeping bacteria at bay and avoid the disease from flashing again, ensuring long-term oral well being.
Why Is Perio Maintenance So Important?
Gum disease is a severe condition, meaning it needs consistent care to manage efficiently. Even though treatment can prevent the active progression of the disease, the risk of return continues. Without typical maintenance, bacteria can quickly recreate in hard-to-reach parts, leading to infection, inflammation, and possible bone loss.
During each maintenance appointment, your dental hygienist will closely monitor your gum health by checking the depth of any pockets around your teeth. If signs of infection or inflammation are detected, additional treatments—such as scaling, root planing, or antibacterial rinses—may be needed to address the issue early.
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Have More Questions About Perio Maintenance?
If you’re unsure whether you require periodontal maintenance or have further queries about the procedure, it’s crucial to consult your dental care team. They will evaluate your oral health, explain the advantages of perio maintenance, and conclude the proper cleaning schedule for your needs.
Maintaining regular periodontal maintenance cleanings is crucial for protecting your gums from further infections and protecting your overall oral wellness. Regular care, joined with professional monitoring, helps avoid complications and maintains a healthy smile for life.
Perio maintenance is more than just a cleaning—it’s a constant preventive approach to control gum disease and make sure it doesn’t come again. By following your dental care provider suggestions and presence scheduled maintenance appointments, you can defend your gums and maintain optimal oral health in the long run.
