Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal Maintenance Columbus, OH
Periodontal maintenance is a dental treatment for gum disease that involves a series of regularly scheduled dental cleanings. These cleanings are often performed every three months, but the frequency of your visits will depend on your situation. Your visits will begin with an exam. We check the condition of your teeth, measure the periodontal pockets, and take x-rays. X-rays allow us to assess the condition of your teeth and jawbone below your gum line.
Gum disease is increasing, with just over half of Americans 30 years and older, and over 70% of adults over the age of 65, who currently have gum disease. Gum disease begins with an infection, sensitivity, puffiness, or inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can begin to deteriorate the jawbone, which will result in the loss of teeth or the need for extensive dental surgery. There are also many significant health issues associated with gum disease, which include diabetes, a stroke, and heart disease.
One of the best ways to prevent periodontal disease from developing is through periodontal maintenance. Periodontal maintenance simply means scheduling regular dental cleanings. Everyone should have a dental or periodontal visit every six months for consistent checkups and cleanings, but if you are more susceptible to periodontal disease or if you have previously been treated for gum disease you should schedule periodontal maintenance visits every three months. The frequency will vary from patient to patient and may be determined by factors such as what type of periodontal disease you have, the rate at which you develop plaque, what type of treatments you have had, and how successful those treatments have been.
At East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry, our entire team loves helping you develop optimal oral health as well as a functional and healthy smile. Our team uses forward thinking treatments and state-of-the-art technology, to ensure the most comfortable treatment for you. Our practice focuses on delivering personal care and developing individual treatment plans based on your unique needs. We emphasize preventive care and patient education because we want you to understand why it is important to keep your mouth healthy and how to do it. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment for an evaluation of the benefits of periodontal maintenance for you.
SERVICES
Why Is It So Important?
The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly, every single day, forms on your teeth. The bacteria found in this plaque produce toxins, or poisons, which attack your gums and teeth continuously. Unless the plaque is removed, it will harden into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Daily brushing and flossing will help minimize the formation of calculus, but it will not completely prevent it. No matter how diligent you are with your oral home care, bacterial plaque can cause a recurrence of gum disease from two to four months after your last professional cleaning. Therefore, East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry must check for hidden problems and remove the plaque at intervals appropriate, so your teeth and gums stay healthy.
The Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance has several benefits:
- It slows and abates the progression of gum disease.
- Your gums are given the opportunity they need to heal properly. As the irritation and inflammation subside, your gums will reseal around your teeth.
- All buildup, including stubborn plaque and tartar, which cannot be removed with your at-home dental care, is removed.
- It helps to protect the health of your natural teeth and prevents them from falling out. It can also help to prevent serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
COMMON PERIODONTAL PROCEDURES
A Periodontal Maintenance Visit
Your periodontal maintenance will begin with an examination to determine the overall health of your teeth and gums, which will include testing your gums and measuring the depth of your periodontal pockets. We will also take X-rays to assess the health of your jaw. Once this is completed, our team will begin a deep cleaning.
If you are scheduled to have a periodontal maintenance exam, you can expect East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry and the team to:
- Review your oral health history as well as any recent changes to your mouth.
- Perform a thorough examination of the soft tissues of your mouth.
- Take measurements of the depth of your pockets.
- Discuss with you and provide an overall assessment of your current oral hygiene habits.
- The removal of any plaque or tartar that has formed.
- Take X-rays to evaluate the state of your teeth and bone below the surface.
- Conduct a thorough examination to determine if any decay or other dental issues have developed.
- Perform an assessment of your occlusal bite.
How Often Should You Have the Periodontal Maintenances?
Your personal periodontal condition is the deciding factor. The interval between your supportive periodontal maintenance visits might be as often as every few weeks or as frequent as every six months. Everyone is different.
The frequency of your periodontal maintenance visits is influenced by:
- The type of your periodontal disease.
- The type of periodontal treatment necessary.
- Your response to the treatment.
- Your rate of reappearing plaque growth.
- Your personal commitment to good oral care at home.
Maintaining Your Periodontal Maintenance
The most important thing you can do to avoid developing gum disease is to continue to practice good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily and for at least two minutes each time and continue flossing regularly. Along with these important at home care practices, compliment your efforts with regular visits to East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry. During these routine checkups, we will be able to conduct cleanings and continue to monitor your oral health, staying in a preventative mode.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
Dr. Levy and the staff are wonderful, friendly, caring people. They make you feel calm during what can be a very stressful time. I had a deep cleaning & extraction yesterday and it was painless and quick. I was in and out in just a little over an hour. I received instructions for my aftercare along with the items needed to take care of my mouth. I feel wonderful today, no pain and eating normally. If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, come see Dr. Levy and staff, they will put you at ease and take good care of you!
- Christi L
Everyone made me feel so welcomed even though I was nervous, Dr. Levy was great and informative made me feel very comfortable. I would recommend this office to anyone.
- Dee H.
The Cost of Your Periodontal Maintenance
The cost of your periodontal maintenance treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your procedure and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
Affordable Payment Plans
Your smile is an invaluable asset, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best dental care when you need it. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. Our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims and paperwork. We will work with your insurance provider to make sure that your coverage meets your needs and your budget.
Please let us know if you have any questions about your insurance coverage.
A Mission Statement YOU can Trust for High Quality Periodontal Care
The entire team at East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry is focused on providing you with excellence in periodontal and implant care in a concerned, caring, gentle, friendly, and relaxed environment.
Our philosophy of care is multidisciplinary, to create partnerships with your general dentist as well as other dental specialists and provide you with the most comprehensive treatment planning and care that is available today.
Our team believes that communication is crucial for both you and us, both in written documentation and verbal communication. Value-based decisions are at the cornerstone of our personalized treatment for you. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment that works for your schedule.