Keep Gum Disease at Bay with Periodontal Maintenance

Our office tailors periodontal maintenance to meet the unique needs of each patient. Here’s what you can expect during a typical appointment. 

• Examination: We’ll inspect your gums for signs of inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. We may also use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of pockets between the teeth and gums. After examination, we’ll create a personalized plan to restore your periodontal health. 
•  Scaling: Tartar and other unhealthy deposits from the deep pockets can’t be removed by brushing or standard cleanings. Scaling can effectively clean deep pockets with special tools. Since this procedure is extensive, the dentist numbs your gums with local anesthetics for a comfortable dental experience. Sometimes, you may need 2-3 visits, depending on the extent of infection. 
• Root planning: The dentist smooths the roots of your teeth, making it harder for bacteria and plaque to re-adhere. Root planning also helps gums heal and reattach to the teeth. 

After treatment, we’ll give you aftercare instructions to manage pain and promote a smooth recovery. Mild pain, sensitivity, swelling, and bleeding are expected after periodontal maintenance. We’ll give you pain medications to manage the pain. We’ll also guide you on oral hygiene to maintain optimal gum health at home. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.