Periodontal Maintenance

Nourishing Gum Health with Care

What is periodontal maintenance therapy?

Periodontal maintenance is designed for individuals with uncontrolled gum disease or periodontal disease, which can range in severity from minor (gingivitis) to severe (periodontal disease). The accumulation of biofilm, plaque, and tartar (calculus) leads to infection and swelling of the gums and tooth-supporting tissues, the primary cause of periodontal disease. Periodontal therapy aims to maintain periodontal health and control the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease.

Why is periodontal maintenance important?

Periodontal therapy holds significant importance for several reasons, some of which are outlined below: Disease Prevention: Gum disease, if left untreated, can progress and cause severe issues like bone loss or tooth loss over time. Uncontrolled periodontal disease can exacerbate various systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, among others. Maintaining Oral Health: Regularly scheduled periodontal maintenance appointments assist in controlling bacterial growth, which is the root cause of gum disease. Minimizing Recurrence: Periodontal maintenance therapy reduces the risk of recurrence by addressing the underlying causes of the disorder and providing treatment at recommended intervals.

Symptoms of periodontal disease

Gum Inflammation
Bleeding gums
Bad Breath
Pain or Discomfort
Abscess Formation
Deep Gum Pockets
Loose Teeth
Tooth Sensitivity
Pus Formation
Changes in Bite or Tooth Alignment

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should schedule a dental appointment. Early detection and proper treatment are necessary to manage gum disease efficiently and preserve your oral health.

The process of periodontal maintenance therapy

Assessment: The dentist and dental hygienist will thoroughly examine your oral health and dental history. Periodontal Pocket Measurement: Your dental hygienist will measure the periodontal pockets. This step is crucial to ensure the ideal treatment is selected depending on the severity of the periodontal disease. X-rays: To assess bone and supporting structures, x-rays might be taken. Treatment and Intervention: Your gum/periodontal disease will be addressed by your dental hygienist. A customized treatment plan will be discussed and ideally, the therapy will start as soon as possible. This treatment can include GBT (guided biofilm therapy) with Airflow, scaling, root planning, in conjunction with laser treatment. The treatment and its frequency can vary as per case to case basis. Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits every three, four, or six months might be recommended, customized to our patient’s needs.

Periodontal maintenance therapy in Edmonton

Our skilled and experienced dental hygienists at Clean Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic are dedicated to protecting you from any dental disease. Whether you have existing dental or gum/periodontal disease, we are here to treat you and maintain your health. Our empathetic dental hygienists will examine your oral health thoroughly and suggest the best treatment option for you while ensuring the prevention of future dental issues. We offer affordable dental hygiene options in Edmonton. Call us today to schedule dental hygiene services.