Periodontal Maintenance in Kennett Square, PA

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a professional dental cleaning designed to remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup that can cause or worsen periodontal disease. It’s an essential treatment for people who have already undergone periodontal therapy and have a history of gum disease. Periodontal maintenance also involves managing gum tissue health to prevent further deterioration.

Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the patient’s condition and the recommendation of their dentist or periodontist. These appointments help in managing soft tissue health to combat bacteria responsible for gum disease. Call 610-444-6311 to schedule your appointment with our Kennett Square, PA, dentist. We also proudly serve patients coming from West Chester, Chadds Ford, Oxford, and the surrounding areas.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that, if left untreated, can lead to significant tooth loss. The disease begins with the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which only a dental professional can remove. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of the disease that can cause irreversible damage to the gums and bone, ultimately leading to tooth loss.

The Role of a Dental Hygienist in Periodontal Maintenance

A dental hygienist plays a pivotal role in periodontal maintenance. They are responsible for removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from both above and below the gum line through a process known as scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning procedure helps to prevent the progression of periodontal disease by eliminating the bacterial buildup that can cause inflammation and infection. Beyond the cleaning process, dental hygienists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, providing personalized recommendations to help maintain good oral health at home. Regular visits to a dental hygienist are essential in preventing periodontal disease and promoting overall oral health.

Periodontal Maintenance vs Regular Cleaning

Periodontal maintenance and regular cleaning are distinct types of dental cleanings, each serving different purposes. Regular cleaning, or prophylaxis, is a preventative measure typically performed twice a year for patients with healthy gums. It involves the removal of plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the teeth, followed by polishing. In contrast, periodontal maintenance is a more intensive cleaning procedure recommended every 3-4 months for patients with a history of periodontal disease. This deep cleaning involves removing tartar and bacteria from below the gum line and examining gum pockets for signs of infection or inflammation. While regular cleanings help maintain general oral health, periodontal maintenance is crucial for managing and preventing the progression of gum disease.

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 and supporting gum and bone health.
• 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. Regular appointments are crucial to maintain gum health and prevent the progression of gum disease. Regular periodontal maintenance is crucial for ensuring that patients can maintain their healthy teeth through routine preventative care.
• Helps detect other health problems: Your dentist or periodontist may be able to detect other health problems during your periodontal cleaning appointments, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal disease affects roughly two out of four patients. Anyone who has had periodontal disease in the past and has undergone periodontal therapy is a candidate for periodontal maintenance. Managing gum tissue health is essential for those who have had periodontal disease in the past to prevent further deterioration and promote recovery. 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

To schedule an appointment with our Kennett Square dentist, contact our office at 610-444-6311.

The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease are vital in preventing irreversible damage to the gums and bone. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other systemic health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are essential for detecting periodontal disease in its early stages when it is more easily treatable. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, can help prevent the progression of periodontal disease. By catching the disease early and following a consistent oral care routine, you can protect your oral health and overall well-being.

The Periodontal Maintenance Process: Scaling and Root Planing

The periodontal maintenance process typically involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Here’s what you can expect:

• Evaluation: Our 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. During this process, the dental hygienist scales the teeth to remove visible tartar built up above the gum line and addresses plaque below the gum line to prevent gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. This process also involves managing soft tissue to prevent bacteria from causing further damage.
• 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: The dentist will schedule your next appointment for periodontal maintenance, typically three to four months later.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Periodontal Maintenance?

Dental insurance coverage for periodontal maintenance varies depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy. Some insurance plans may cover periodontal maintenance as part of their preventative care, while others may consider it a separate treatment requiring a co-pay. It is essential to check with your insurance provider to determine what is covered and what your out-of-pocket costs may be. Additionally, some dental offices offer financing options or payment plans to help make periodontal maintenance more affordable. Be sure to discuss these options with your dentist to ensure you receive the necessary care without financial strain.

The Cost of Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings by a Dental Hygienist

On average, periodontal cleanings and 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. Ask your dentist if they have any special discounts or provide financing options.

Here are some tips for saving money on periodontal maintenance cleanings:

• Ask your dentist about their payment plans. Some dentists offer discounts for paying in full or for setting up a payment plan.
• Look for a dental school or clinic in your area. Dental schools often offer discounted dental care under the supervision of experienced dentists.
• Check with your insurance company to see if they offer any coverage for periodontal maintenance.
• Compare prices between different dentists in your area.

How to Maintain Healthy Gums at Home

To help keep periodontal disease from recurring, our Kennett Square 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
• Schedule regular cleanings at the Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry to prevent extensive oral health problems
• Ensure the longevity of healthy teeth with regular dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need periodontal maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the recommendation of your dentist or periodontist and your individual needs.

Is periodontal maintenance painful?

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.

Can periodontal maintenance cure gum disease?

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.

Protect Your Gums With Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is a critical preventive treatment that can help patients manage and control the progression of periodontal disease. It also helps in managing gum tissue health to prevent further deterioration. Schedule a periodontal maintenance appointment with our Kennett Square, PA, dentist by calling 610-444-6311 if you have a history of gum disease or are at risk for developing gum disease. Our team is happy to help you get the dental care you need. We also proudly serve patients coming from West Chester, Chadds Ford, Oxford, and the surrounding areas.