Do you suffer from gum disease? If so, you are not alone. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 50% of adults in the United States have periodontal disease. This infection develops in the gum and bone tissue, often due to poor homecare and lack of professional care. When left untreated, it can cause significant complications with your dental health such as: bleeding/swollen gums, gum recession, tooth mobility, and inevitable tooth loss. However, periodontal disease may also impact your general health, leading to serious medical issues like cardiovascular disease. To protect your oral and overall health, it is best to undergo maintenance therapy regularly with your board-certified periodontist in Frisco.
What is Maintenance Therapy?
Periodontal Maintenance is a cleaning procedure on patients affected by periodontal disease. The procedure is initiated AFTER initial Scaling and Root Planing therapy, OR, after surgical treatment. Periodontal Maintenance should be performed on an interval of every 2, 3, or 4 months depending on the severity of the patient’s oral condition. The procedure entails remove plaque and tartar accumulations to prevent bacteria growth that can infect the gum tissue. While you may be thinking that it is the same as a “cleaning” the two are different. A basic cleaning should only be performed on healthy teeth and gums where the dental professional only removes accumulations from above the gum line in and in between the teeth; whereas, maintenance therapy goes a bit deeper and is performed on patients with a history of gum and bone disease.
During the procedure, your dentist will use specialized scaling instrument to remove plaque and tartar from above the gum line. If pockets have developed in the gum tissue, they will be cleaned as well.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend the use of antibiotics as part of your gum disease therapy in Frisco.
What are the Benefits of Maintenance Therapy?
With your mouth the gateway to your general health, it is important that your teeth and gums stay healthy. At the first sign of gum disease, it is vital to seek treatment to prevent irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. The signs and symptoms of gum and bone disease may be an indicator of other undiagnosed medical conditions that may impact your wellbeing.
With regular maintenance sessions, you will help stop bacterial infection and restore your oral and overall health. Tartar buildup is removed from above and below the gum line every 2, 3, or 4 months. By removing the accumulations, you decrease bacteria in the mouth to combat bad breath, discolored teeth, and swollen/sensitive gums. In addition, it will improve the appearance of your teeth to help you feel confident when you smile.
Restore your Gum Health Today!
To properly treat gum disease, your periodontist will create a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. If they recommend that you undergo maintenance therapy, do not wait. Schedule your appointment to restore your gum health.
About Dr. Zachary Carnow
Dr. Zachary Carnow is a board-certified periodontist in the community. As a third-generation dentist, he is committed to improving his patients’ oral health and quality of life through genuine dental services. If you have gum disease, do not wait to get the treatment you need for a healthy smile. Contact Frisco Periodontics and Dental Implants today to schedule your consultation for periodontal therapy.