SPECIALTY

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which continues to build up and can infect the gums.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

During your regularly scheduled cleanings and exams, we will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of periodontal disease. If our dentist finds any evidence of gum disease, we will recommend the appropriate treatment to help restore your oral health. This may include a deeper cleaning known as scaling and root planing (SRP). 

Scaling is the removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line, while root planing is the process of smoothing the surface of the roots of your teeth to prevent bacteria buildup in the future. 

Scaling and root planing is often followed by a more thorough cleaning called debridement to remove calculus deposits from the surfaces of your teeth. All of these procedures can be performed in our comfortable office by our skilled oral hygienists.

After the completion of these procedures, we may apply an antibacterial rinse or medication to your gums in order to prevent infections and promote healing. We may also recommend that you return for more frequent cleanings, usually every three to four months. 

In some cases, we may place you on a special schedule that is based on your specific needs. This will allow us to monitor the health of your gums and ensure that they are free from infection.

What Does Periodontal Maintenance Involve?

During your initial consultation, our dentist will assess the health of your smile. If they decide that you could benefit from periodontal treatment, they will explain the types of procedures available to you and recommend the one that will work best for you. 

Depending on your needs, you may benefit from one or more of the following treatments:

• Professional cleanings
• Gum disease therapy
• Pocket reduction surgery
• Bone grafts
• Crown lengthening

What Are the Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance?

One of the biggest benefits of undergoing periodontal maintenance is that it can help to prevent periodontal disease from returning. This is because patients receive a thorough cleaning that goes above and beyond regular dental cleaning. The hygienist is able to remove plaque and tartar buildup from places the toothbrush can’t reach, such as the gum line and between the teeth. This can help prevent gum disease or stop it in its tracks if it has been diagnosed.

Another benefit of periodontal maintenance is that it can reduce the risk of tooth decay. When a patient has a healthy mouth, it’s much easier to care for one’s oral health at home. In turn, the patient doesn’t have to worry about cavities or decay in the future. 

Regular visits to the dentist can also help to uncover any untreated dental health issues early on so that they can be treated before they become worse and require more extensive treatment.

For more information, contact our Alexandria dental office at (703) 823-2848 or 5130 Duke St, Suite 8, Alexandria, VA 22304, or our Manassas dental office at (703) 479-7654 or 8608 Centreville Rd, Manassas, VA 20110.