Periodontal Maintenance Can Restore Your Health

Gum Disease Treatment to Prevent Tooth Loss

Periodontal maintenance is specialized care to remove and prevent the return of gum disease. Patients found to have periodontal disease in Ridgeland, MS may begin with a scaling and root planing procedure to remove harmful toxins. The harmful bacteria that cause gum disease can return within three to four months after initial treatment. Accordingly, patients will need periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months.

The removal of tartar and plaque below the gums is essential to preventing periodontal disease. Otherwise, the plaque turns into hard calculus buildup, which releases harmful toxins. The harmful bacteria will expand under the gums.

Once calculus grows under the gums, patients may experience symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling of gum tissue. As a result, periodontal maintenance is necessary to keep the gums and bone healthy and free of periodontitis. Otherwise, patients may experience bone loss, which can lead to tooth loss.

A study done by the CDC indicates that nearly half of adults 30 years old and older have some form of periodontal disease. This percentage jumps to over 70% in adults 65 years of age and older.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a unique procedure for advanced periodontal disease cases. The first step in treating periodontitis is scaling a root planing procedure. Typically, our dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic cleaner to perform your scaling and root planing. The ultrasonic cleaner uses high-frequency vibration to separate the hard calculus build up from the tooth. 

The scaling and root planing procedure may take multiple appointments to complete. In most cases, your gums are returned to a healthy state. Future appointments will be every three to four months to complete periodontal maintenance therapy.

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Post-Operative Recommendations for Scaling and Root Planing

Following your scaling and root planing procedure, it is essential to follow the recommendations of your doctor. Some of the suggestions may include:

Routine Dental Cleaning vs. Periodontal Maintenance Therapy

Routine dental cleaning is a preventive dental treatment, whereas a scaling and root planing treatment may be recommended if a patient has periodontal disease.

A prophylaxis or routine dental cleaning is where a dental hygienist cleans and polishes your teeth above the gum line. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental visits at intervals determined by a dentist. Most dentists recommend regular cleanings every six months. After all, its purpose is to prevent gum disease and tooth decay from developing. 

Periodontal maintenance therapy is the cleaning of your teeth above and below the gum line. Periodontal maintenance therapy is specialized care to prevent the return of periodontal disease. Typically, patients will visit our Ridgeland dental office three to four times per year for deep cleanings. 

The Stages Of Periodontal Disease

Healthy tooth and gums.

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The development of gingivitis, the beginning stages of periodontitis

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The development of periodontal disease

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The development of periodontal disease

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How Gingivitis Can Progress to Periodontitis

Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease. Essentially, gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Often, patients will notice irritation and redness of the gingiva, the gum tissue around the base of the teeth. The tooth connects to your gums below the top surface of your gums that you see.

Food and other particles can get trapped between your tooth and the gum tissue. Good oral hygiene that includes proper brushing and flossing can reduce your risk of infection of the gums. Consistent, comprehensive dental exams from our dentist in Ridgeland, MS, Dr. Joe Burns can reduce your risk of gingivitis.

Periodontal Disease Leads To Bone Loss

Periodontal disease often referred to as gum disease, is the development of harmful toxins below the gum line. Gum disease begins with plaque and tartar that turns into a calculus buildup above and below the gum line. Most importantly, periodontal disease can lead to the destruction of your jaw bone and tooth loss.

Poor oral hygiene is not the only contributing factor to gum disease. Some medical conditions that trigger host antibacterial defense mechanisms, such as HIV and diabetes, will likely promote periodontal disease.

Periodontitis–Advanced Gum Disease

Periodontitis is the most advanced form of gum disease. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to gum recession, loss of bone, and tooth loss. Not to mention, periodontitis is connected to other systemic diseases.

Periodontitis is a grave gum infection that can jeopardize the health of your teeth. Thankfully, your Ridgeland dentist, Dr. Joe Burns can restore your oral health. If you have suffered tooth loss, because of periodontitis, Dr. Burns can replace missing teeth with dental implants or implant-supported restorations.

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