Maintenance
It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that is not
removed from your teeth to turn into tartar! Daily home
cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but
those hard to reach areas will always need special
attention.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your
dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have
regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings),
usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments,
the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that
they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for
you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above
and below the gum line.
In addition to your
periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will
usually include:
-
Examination of
diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for
detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone
loss.X-rays also help determine tooth and root
positions.
-
Examination of existing restorations: Check
current fillings, crowns, etc.
-
Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth
surfaces for decay.
- Oral
cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips,
tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any
signs of oral cancer.
- Oral
hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend
oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric
toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes,
fluorides, rinses, etc.)
- Teeth
polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not
otherwise removed during tooth brushing and
scaling.
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Good oral hygiene
practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in
maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease
under control!
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