If you’re a periodontal patient, it’s important to understand the importance of regularly scheduling appointments with your periodontist to keep your teeth healthy.
Periodontal maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease and tooth loss, but it requires a commitment from both the patient and their dental professional.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for planning your periodontal maintenance for 2023.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is an important part of your oral health care. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It is caused by plaque buildup along the gum line, which creates an environment that allows bacteria to thrive.
Periodontal maintenance is a preventive process that helps protect against periodontal disease. It involves regular checkups and cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to more serious oral health problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a serious condition that can affect your overall health and well-being. While gum disease doesn’t typically cause symptoms in its early stages, you may start to notice signs as it progresses.
The following are some of the more common symptoms of gum disease:
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Gums that are pulled away from the teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gum line
- Pus around the teeth or between the teeth (pockets)
- Tenderness or pain when eating or brushing your teeth
- Loose teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms in your mouth, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your periodontist right away.
Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Your Periodontal Needs
When it comes to periodontal care, choosing the right treatment option for your needs is an important decision that can have a big impact on your oral health. There are several different treatments available for gum disease, and the right option for you will depend on the stage of the disease and your personal preferences.
- Dental cleanings: This is the most common treatment for early-stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis. A dental cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums and can help to reverse the effects of gingivitis. In some cases, your dentist may also recommend using a medicated mouthwash or toothpaste to help control bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Scaling and root planing: If your gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, known as periodontitis, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. This involves a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, as well as smoothing the roots of the teeth to prevent bacteria from accumulating. This treatment can help to reduce inflammation and promote the regrowth of healthy tissue.
- Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery: In severe cases of gum disease, your dentist may recommend flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery. This involves making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the roots of the teeth and then removing infected tissue and bone. The gum tissue is then repositioned and sutured in place to reduce the size of the pockets between the teeth and gums, making it easier to keep the area clean.
- Bone grafts: In some cases, the damage caused by gum disease may be so severe that the bone supporting the teeth is lost. In these situations, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to help restore the bone and support the teeth. This involves using bone from another part of your body, or synthetic material, to fill in the gaps in the jawbone and promote the regrowth of healthy bone tissue.
When choosing a treatment option, it’s important to consider your overall health and any potential risks or side effects. For example, if you have a compromised immune system or are pregnant, your dentist may recommend a less invasive treatment to avoid complications. It’s also important to consider the cost of treatment and whether it is covered by your dental insurance.
Overall, the key to choosing the right treatment option for your periodontal needs is to work closely with your dentist and discuss all of your options. By taking the time to understand your condition and the available treatments, you can make an informed decision that is best for your oral health.
When Should You Start Periodontal Maintenance?
It’s important to start periodontal maintenance as early as possible, especially if you have had any issues with your gums or teeth in the past.
The earlier you start this process, the better off you will be in the long run. If you wait until later on down the road when things start going bad, then it may be too late for us to help improve your situation.
What to Expect at the Periodontist
If you’re considering seeing a periodontist for treatment of your gum disease, you may be wondering what to expect during your appointment. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect at the periodontist:
- First, you’ll likely be asked to fill out some paperwork, including your medical and dental history and any medications you are currently taking.
- Next, the periodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. This may include taking x-rays to get a better view of the underlying bone structure, and measuring the pockets between your teeth and gums using a tool called a periodontal probe.
- Based on the findings of the examination, the periodontist will discuss your treatment options with you and recommend a course of action.
- If you decide to proceed with treatment, the periodontist will explain the details of the procedure and any potential risks or side effects. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
- Finally, the periodontist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
In general, the goal of a visit to the periodontist is to diagnose and treat your gum disease and to help you maintain good oral health. By working closely with your periodontist, you can take control of your oral health and improve the health of your gums.
Get Your Teeth Checked By A Professional
To sum up, we highly recommend getting your teeth checked by a professional dentist or periodontist every year. The cost of getting your teeth checked professionally is significantly less than the cost of oral surgery or other procedures that can be done to fix dental problems.
At Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics, we can help. Our team is dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy smiles through preventative care and treatment. We believe that everyone deserves to live life with confidence—and that starts with good oral hygiene.
Book an appointment online today and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile.
