Periodontal Maintenance
Salem, OR
 Periodontal disease is a serious oral health issue. It begins as a result of a bacterial infection. The bacteria irritate your gums, which triggers an inflammatory response from your immune system. This causes your gums to swell. Gums that are red and swollen, and that bleed when you brush and floss, are the earliest symptoms of periodontal disease. However, these symptoms often go unnoticed or ignored. As a result, the condition worsens.
Pockets form between your gums and your teeth as the tissue pulls away. Bacteria collect in the pockets, causing them to grow deeper. Without treatment, periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. It can also lead to serious health issues. At Fairmount Dental Center, we can help your mouth heal with periodontal maintenance.
Scaling and Root Planing for Periodontal Disease
Scaling and root planing are common treatments for periodontal disease. This particular set of treatments is a type of deep cleaning meant for your teeth. With scaling, we clean the visible surfaces of your teeth, including around and just below the gum line. This is done with a special tool called a scaler. The scaler helps us to eliminate all buildup from all surfaces of your teeth. We are even able to remove the most stubborn plaque that cannot be removed with a toothbrush.
Root planing is the process of cleaning the root surfaces of your teeth. Special tools are inserted below the gum line to smooth and remove plaque, bacteria, and other toxins. By thoroughly cleaning your teeth, we can alleviate the irritation of your gums, which helps them to heal. Following scaling and root planing, a follow up is scheduled for 6 to 8 weeks later.
Periodontal Disease Maintenance
During your follow up, your mouth is assessed to make sure that it is healing properly. If you are not showing adequate progress after treatment for periodontal disease, you may then be recommended for periodontal maintenance. This treatment is a series of regular appointments that are done to help to stop the progression of gum disease, keeping it under control. With these appointments, we are also able to help your mouth heal.
At your periodontal disease maintenance appointments, we examine your mouth. Your teeth are assessed for any new buildup. Your periodontal pockets are measured to make sure that their depth is decreasing. X-rays may also be taken to examine your jawbone and periodontal ligaments. After your exam, we then clean your teeth thoroughly to eliminate all buildup that might be present. The frequency of your appointments will depend upon your specific situation. For more severe cases, appointments may be needed every 2 months. If the condition is not as bad, you may only need appointments every 6 months.
The Benefits of Periodontal Disease Maintenance
There are many benefits to periodontal disease maintenance. These benefits include:
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Alleviating irritation and inflammation. Cleaning your teeth eliminates the buildup that causes your gums to become irritated and inflamed.
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Slowing and stopping the progression of periodontal disease.
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Helping your gums to heal. By alleviating irritation and inflammation, your gums can begin reattaching to your teeth. |
Learn More About Periodontal (Gum) Disease and Oral Hygiene:
With periodontal disease maintenance, we can help to stop the progression of gum disease, which allows your mouth to begin healing. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Fairmount Dental Center at (503) 362-8364 today. |
