Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is a supportive phase of care that is initiated after a patient completes periodontal therapy. Patients typically have this done every 3 months based upon guidelines from the American Academy of periodontology. This treatment is indicated for persons with periodontal disease.
PERIODONTAL THERAPY:
Should it be determined that you have periodontal disease, periodontal therapy may be treatment planned for you. Periodontal therapy is a form of "dental cleaning". It is called scaling and root planing (SRP) and consists of the removal of calculus (tartar), plaque and bacteria from underneath the gum tissue. Depending on your individual condition, you may choose to be numb for this treatment. Dr. Butterfield and our hygienist will discuss this with you and answer all your questions should you require periodontal therapy.
Nearly 75 percent of American adults suffer from various forms of periodontal disease and don't know it.
Warning signs that you may have periodontal disease:
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Any change in the way that your teeth fit together when you bite
- Bad breath or bad taste
Persons at a higher risk for periodontal disease are:
- Smokers
- Diabetics
- Pregnant women
- Post-Menopausal women
- People with Osteoporosis
Periodontal disease can have negative effects on your overall health. Many links between periodontal disease and complications with the following conditions have been proven:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease and stroke
- Pre-term births
- Renal (kidney) disease