Protecting Your Gums and Preserving Your Smile for the Long-Term
After successfully treating gum disease or undergoing periodontal procedures, ongoing care is essential to maintain your oral health and prevent the recurrence of periodontal issues. At Strutz Periodontics, we offer periodontic maintenance to ensure your gums remain healthy, your teeth stay secure, and your smile stays bright. Regular maintenance visits are key to preventing future gum problems and preserving the results of your periodontal treatment.
What is Periodontic Maintenance?
Periodontic maintenance refers to the routine dental cleanings and follow-up care that are specifically designed for patients who have undergone treatment for gum disease or other periodontal issues. It goes beyond the typical teeth cleaning and focuses on monitoring your gum health, preventing the recurrence of gum disease, and ensuring that your periodontal treatment remains effective.
Periodontal maintenance is vital for patients who have received treatment such as:
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
- Gum grafting
- Dental implant placement
- Periodontal surgery
The goal of periodontic maintenance is to help prevent further damage, reduce inflammation, and keep your teeth and gums healthy over time.
Why is Periodontic Maintenance Important?
Regular periodontal maintenance visits are essential to protect the investment you’ve made in your oral health and ensure that gum disease does not return. Here’s why maintenance visits are critical:
- Preventing the Recurrence of Gum Disease: Even after successful treatment, gum disease can return if you don’t continue with regular care and maintenance. Periodontic maintenance helps catch any signs of recurrence early.
- Protecting Against Tooth Loss: Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Regular maintenance helps preserve the structures that support your teeth and prevents further bone loss or gum recession.
- Preserving the Results of Treatment: If you’ve undergone procedures like scaling and root planing, gum grafts, or implant placement, maintenance visits ensure the long-term success of those treatments and help keep your gums healthy.
- Better Oral Hygiene: Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that regular brushing and flossing might miss, which is especially important for patients with deep gum pockets or implants.
What Does Periodontic Maintenance Involve?
Periodontic maintenance typically involves more than just a routine dental cleaning. It includes comprehensive checks and treatments tailored to the specific needs of patients who have had periodontal treatment. Here’s what you can expect during a typical maintenance appointment:
1. Comprehensive Oral Examination
We begin by assessing your overall gum health. Dr. William Strutz will evaluate your gums, teeth, and any areas previously treated for periodontal disease. We’ll look for any signs of gum inflammation, pockets, or bone loss that may require additional care.
2. Periodontal Cleaning
We perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums, which is typically more thorough than regular cleanings. This includes:
- Removal of Plaque and Tartar: We’ll remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, particularly below the gum line, where bacteria and infection tend to accumulate.
- Root Surface Polishing: This helps prevent bacteria from adhering to the tooth surfaces, promoting healthy gums and preventing future buildup.
2. Periodontal Cleaning
We perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums, which is typically more thorough than regular cleanings. This includes:
- Removal of Plaque and Tartar: We’ll remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, particularly below the gum line, where bacteria and infection tend to accumulate.
- Root Surface Polishing: This helps prevent bacteria from adhering to the tooth surfaces, promoting healthy gums and preventing future buildup.
3. Monitoring Gum Pockets
If you have deep gum pockets (greater than 3mm), we will measure them regularly to track any changes. Larger pockets may indicate a need for additional treatment to prevent infection or further bone loss.
4. Checking for Signs of Infection
We’ll check for any indications of new infection, gum recession, or bone loss, ensuring that your gums are healing properly after any treatments you’ve undergone.
5. Patient Education
We’ll provide guidance on at-home oral care, including brushing techniques, flossing, and the use of any special tools or products like antimicrobial mouthwashes or interdental brushes. Proper home care is essential for maintaining the results of periodontal treatments.
6. Treatment Recommendations
If we notice any changes in your gum health, we will discuss additional treatments or modifications to your care routine. Depending on your needs, this could include more frequent cleanings, new treatment options, or further procedures to address any issues before they progress.
How Often Should You Have Periodontic Maintenance?
The frequency of your periodontic maintenance visits will depend on the severity of your initial condition and your unique treatment needs. In general, we recommend that patients schedule periodontal maintenance every 3 to 4 months, though some may require more frequent visits depending on the state of their oral health.
If you’ve had advanced periodontal disease or significant bone loss, we may recommend more frequent visits to ensure that your condition remains under control. Dr. Strutz will work with you to develop a customized maintenance schedule based on your needs.
The Long-Term Benefits of Periodontic Maintenance
- Reduced Risk of Tooth Loss: By preventing further gum disease and preserving your natural teeth, periodontic maintenance helps reduce your risk of losing teeth to periodontal issues.
- Improved Overall Health: Maintaining healthy gums is linked to better overall health, including reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
- Preserving Your Investment in Dental Treatments: Regular maintenance ensures that treatments like scaling and root planing, gum grafts, or dental implants remain successful and long-lasting.
- Enhanced Confidence: Healthy gums and teeth not only keep you looking your best but also boost your confidence in social situations, knowing your oral health is on track.
Why Choose Strutz Periodontics for Periodontic Maintenance?
At Strutz Periodontics, we specialize in providing personalized periodontal care that’s focused on long-term success. Our commitment to your ongoing oral health includes:
Expert Care:
Dr. Strutz is a skilled periodontist with years of experience in managing and maintaining gum health after periodontal treatments.
Comprehensive Approach:
We offer customized maintenance plans to meet your individual needs and ensure that your gums stay healthy and strong.
Advanced Technology:
Our office uses the latest tools and techniques to monitor your gum health, ensuring the most accurate and effective treatment.
Comfort and Compassion:
We strive to make every visit comfortable and stress-free, providing exceptional care in a welcoming, patient-centered environment.
