Practice Limited to Periodontics & Dental Implants
5162 E Stop 11 Road Suite 2
Indianapolis, IN 46237
Tel:
(317) 888-3322
Toll Free:
(866) 988-3322
Periodontal Maintenance
Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance.
Periodontal maintenance or supportive periodontal therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent periodontal disease from recurring in patients who have undergone periodontal treatment. This ongoing phase of treatment will allow Dr. Wiland to assess your periodontal health and make sure infection stays under control. A periodontal maintenance visit is different than a routine dental cleaning. Periodontal maintenance focuses on areas of active or past disease sites in order to maintain the health of the supporting tissues of the teeth. In most cases, the difference lies in concentrated efforts below the gum line in problem areas. This procedure is aimed at removing the external deposits, as well as smoothing rough root surfaces to allow the gum tissues to maintain the current level of attachment to the tooth. These deposits called tartar, or calculus, are made up of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals that are a direct byproduct of your body's metabolism. Periodontal maintenance visits need to be at a 3-4 month interval due to the fact that the bacterial levels often reach an unhealthy level by approximately 12 weeks, enough so to begin to cause deterioration of the supporting tissues. By keeping regular maintenance appointments, you are able to stay ahead of the destruction caused by the bacterial proliferation. The final result is a healthier smile, which has been shown to relate directly to a healthier you.
A routine cleaning, or prophylaxis , is recommended for persons who have not had any bone loss, periodontal disease, or infection around their teeth. There should be no bleeding, mobility of teeth, receded areas where the gums have pulled away from the teeth, or areas where the roots of the teeth are exposed. Your brush and floss cannot reach all areas of your mouth for most people who have been treated for periodontal disease. There also may be other risk factors such as genetics, smoking or diabetes that might predispose you to recurrence of periodontal disease. This all can lead to destruction of the gum and bone and possibly retreatment. Periodontal maintenance tries to avoid this problem. With routine cleaning efforts are focused primarily above and gum and only slight below the gum and for people who do not have a history of periodontal disease or risk factors associated with periodontal disease.If you would like to view a brochure on this subject, click here.
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