Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease. The teeth and gums are infected and inflamed by bacteria and calculus formation. In order to achieve a healthy oral cavity again, hygienists have to perform a cleaning called scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing is when the dental hygienist uses local anesthetic to anesthetize areas of the affected mouth and performs a deeper cleaning. This is to ensure that all of the bacteria and calculus has been removed from the periodontal pocket. Once the bacteria and calculus is removed, the surrounding bone and gums to the teeth become healthy again as long there is motivation and maintenance. Once scaling and root planing is complete, we recommend being placed on a shorter recall for cleanings to maintain a healthier periodontal state. We call this a periodontal maintenance cleaning. Unlike a routine cleaning, periodontal maintenance is recommended 3-4 times a year and involves instrumentation under the gums to remove plaque and calculus. The benefit to these periodontal cleanings helps control the progression of the disease.