Periodontal Maintenance Helps Patients to Overcome Gum Disease
You may have heard this often, but we will still say it: brush and floss your teeth daily. We shall never tire of reminding you of this because we understand how these oral habits can affect your dental health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque build-up in your mouth, resulting in gum disease.
The team at Cooper Dental Group is committed to helping you prevent gum infection. However, when it occurs, we have the right periodontal treatments to keep this condition under control. Don’t let periodontal disease gum up your life. Please contact our team, and we will take care of your smile.
How gum disease develops
When you don’t observe optimal oral hygiene, saliva, and food particles mix with bacteria to form plaque — a sticky, clear biofilm that clings to your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed by flossing and brushing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.
If tartar is allowed to thrive in your mouth, it invades the healthy tissues around your gums, allowing bacteria to infiltrate beneath the gingival tissues and into your roots. As a result, periodontal pockets form as your gums pull away from the teeth, and if not treated, you risk losing your teeth!
Periodontal care for a healthy, beautiful smile
Your gums play an essential role in protecting your teeth. Your gingival tissues may not be the stars of the show when smiling, but they are crucial in anchoring your teeth and protecting them to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.
When you notice signs of gum disease, please seek treatment immediately before it becomes hard to treat. Our dentists often advise patients to brush and floss their teeth daily to treat the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis). Following up on this oral hygiene with periodontic dental cleaning is enough to reverse gingivitis.
However, you need more intervention if you have advanced gum disease with symptoms like gum recession. Our periodontal care involves a deep cleaning to halt the progression of gum disease. This treatment consists of two procedures. Periodontal scaling removes plaque and tartar beneath and above the gum line. On the other hand, root planing smooths out your roots to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria. We may prescribe antibiotics to aid with the healing process.
If a deep cleaning fails to stop gum disease, we may recommend advanced periodontal treatments, including grafting and flap surgery, to restore your gum health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Cleaning
What is periodontal cleaning, and how does it improve gum health at Cooper Dental Group?
Periodontal cleaning is a deep cleaning treatment that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. This procedure targets the areas that regular brushing and standard cleanings cannot reach, helping to treat and prevent gum disease. At Cooper Dental Group, Dr. Andrew Perkins and Dr. Adam Tow use periodontal cleaning to reduce inflammation, promote gum reattachment to the teeth, and prevent future bone loss, helping patients regain and maintain healthy gums.
Who provides periodontal cleanings at Cooper Dental Group?
Dr. Andrew Perkins and Dr. Adam Tow are the primary providers of periodontal cleaning services at Cooper Dental Group. They are experienced in diagnosing the early and moderate stages of gum disease and providing the appropriate non-surgical treatments to manage it. Working closely with our hygiene team, they deliver personalized care plans based on each patient’s needs.
Who should consider periodontal cleaning with Dr. Perkins or Dr. Tow?
Periodontal cleaning is recommended for patients with signs of gum disease, such as red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, or gum recession. If a standard cleaning is no longer enough to manage your gum health, Dr. Perkins or Dr. Tow may recommend scaling and root planing to address infection and restore the foundation of your oral health. Patients with early-stage gum disease can greatly benefit from this proactive approach.
Is periodontal cleaning painful, and will I need anesthesia?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during a periodontal cleaning, especially when local anesthesia is used. Dr. Perkins or Dr. Tow may numb the area to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the procedure. After treatment, some sensitivity or soreness is normal but temporary. Any discomfort usually fades within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief or a saltwater rinse.
How long does the cleaning take, and how many visits are needed?
The duration of a periodontal cleaning depends on the number of teeth or areas being treated. Typically, the procedure takes one to two hours and may be divided into multiple appointments if the infection is widespread. Some patients complete treatment in one session, while others may need two visits. Your dentist will recommend a schedule that ensures thorough cleaning without overwhelming your gums.
How often do I need periodontal cleanings at Cooper Dental Group?
After initial treatment, patients with a history of gum disease are usually placed on a three—to four-month maintenance schedule. These more frequent visits help prevent the recurrence of gum disease and keep gums stable over time. Dr. Perkins or Dr. Tow will customize your recall schedule based on your oral health history and how well you manage your hygiene at home.
What should I expect during recovery, and how can I care for my gums afterward?
Following a periodontal cleaning, you may notice mild gum tenderness or sensitivity to temperature. This is temporary and typically resolves within a few days. Maintaining good home care is essential for healing and long-term results. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and follow any special instructions your dentist provides. With consistent care, periodontal cleaning can stop gum disease in its tracks and protect your oral health for the future.
Periodontal disease maintenance near me in Ormond Beach, Florida
Want to recover your healthy self with periodontal care in Ormond Beach, FL? Please dial 386-244-9838 to schedule an appointment with the Cooper Dental Group team for personalized care.
