Periodontal Maintenance for Sustained Oral Health
Maintaining optimal oral health extends far beyond routine brushing and flossing. Periodontal maintenance is a critical aspect of this, designed to manage and prevent gum disease while preserving your overall dental well-being. Our Kingwood, TX dentist, Dr. Derek Scott offers this proactive approach involving regular cleanings, thorough examinations, and tailored care to address the specific needs of your gums. By adhering to a consistent periodontal maintenance schedule, you can prevent the advancement of gum disease, avoid tooth loss, and ensure that your smile remains vibrant and healthy.
To learn more about periodontal maintenance, contact our Kingwood dental office by calling (281) 358-3125.
The Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
There are many benefits to periodontal maintenance, including:
- Prevents periodontal disease from progressing: This type of dental cleaning helps remove bacteria and plaque buildup, preventing periodontal disease from worsening.
- Prevents tooth loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular periodontal cleaning appointments can help prevent this from happening.
- Maintains oral health: Periodontal maintenance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and can prevent other oral health problems, such as cavities and bad breath.
- Helps detect other health problems: Your Kingwood dentist may be able to detect other health problems during your periodontal cleaning appointments, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?
Anyone who has had periodontal disease in the past and has undergone periodontal therapy is a candidate for periodontal maintenance. Additionally, you may also benefit from this type of dental cleaning if you:
- Have a family history of gum disease
- Smoke
- Have diabetes
- Are pregnant and may be at a higher risk for gum disease
The Periodontal Maintenance Process
The periodontal maintenance process typically involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Here’s what you can expect:
- Evaluation: Your Kingwood dentist will evaluate your gum health and determine if further treatment is needed.
- Scaling and Root Planing: If necessary, our dental hygienist will perform scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, which involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and smoothing out the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from sticking to them.
- Polishing: After scaling and root planing, our dental hygienist will polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains or plaque.
- Oral Hygiene Education: Our dental hygienist will provide oral hygiene education and tips to help you maintain good oral health at home.
- Follow-up: Dr. Scott will schedule your next appointment for periodontal maintenance, typically three to four months later.
The Cost of Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings
On average, periodontal maintenance appointments can cost between $150 to $300. The cost will vary depending on the location, the experience of the dentist or periodontist, and your insurance coverage. In general, it’s more expensive than a regular dental cleaning, but most dental insurance plans cover all or a portion of the costs. Patients should check with their insurance provider to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums at Home
To help keep periodontal disease from recurring, your Kingwood dentist has provided tips on how to maintain healthy gums at home:
- Brush and floss teeth regularly
- Use mouthwash
- Quit smoking
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Stay hydrated
- Keep up with a routine dental cleaning schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the recommendation of your dentist or periodontist and your individual needs.
Periodontal maintenance isn’t usually painful. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the cleaning process. Your dental hygienist can use numbing agents or adjust the cleaning technique to make you more comfortable.
Periodontal maintenance isn’t a cure for gum disease, but it can help manage and control the progression of the disease. Consistent and proper oral hygiene habits, along with regular periodontal maintenance appointments, can help keep periodontal disease under control.
Prioritize Your Oral Health with Periodontal Maintenance
Regular periodontal maintenance is essential for ensuring your long-term oral health. By staying committed to these routine appointments, you can prevent the development of gum disease and preserve a healthy, radiant smile for years to come. Take the first step in investing in your long-term oral health by calling (281) 358-3125 to schedule your periodontal maintenance appointment today. Your proactive approach in caring for your oral health will pay off in the form of a confident and healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. We’re proud to serve Texas patients in Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita, Porter and the surrounding areas.