Periodontal Maintenance Fort Smith ARThere are a few different stages of gum disease. Gingivitis, stage one, and stage two, periodontitis, have symptoms that look very similar. However, they will grow in severity over time. These may involve bleeding, tender, red, and swollen gums. The gums will also begin to recede. In stage one gum disease, the pockets between the gums and the teeth may range between four and five millimeters in depth. In stage two gum disease, they will have grown to between six and seven millimeters in depth. Periodontal maintenance involves ongoing periodontal care that is designed to manage and maintain the health of a patient's gums and supporting structures after they have received treatment for gum disease. It is a critical component of post-treatment care, as gum disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management to prevent recurrence and to maintain oral health. If you are in need of periodontal maintenance, come see Dr. Mitchell Harper, DDS here at Harper Dental. what is periodontal maintenance?Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled at regular intervals, usually occurring every two to three months, and they involve a combination of professional dental care and patient self-care. what happens during periodontal maintenance?During periodontal maintenance appointments, our dental hygienist or our dentist will perform a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line. These cleanings help control bacterial infection and reduce inflammation, preventing gum disease from progressing. Next, we will take your pocket depth measurement. Periodontal pockets, the spaces between the teeth and gums, are measured to monitor their depth. Shallow pockets are a sign of good gum health, while deeper pockets may indicate ongoing or recurrent gum disease. Monitoring pocket depths helps assess the effectiveness of treatment and the need for adjustments. Large pockets in between the teeth and gums can not only harbor bacteria, but also increase the chances of tooth loss. Assessment of your gum health is therefore very important. The condition of your gums will be assessed to ensure that they are healthy and free from signs of inflammation, bleeding, or infection. Any changes or potential issues in your gum tissue will be addressed promptly. Another key component to your periodontal maintenance appointment will be to review your oral hygiene practices. Our patients will receive guidance and instructions on how to maintain proper oral hygiene at home. This may include brushing techniques, flossing, and the use of interdental brushes or other dental aids. Practicing good oral hygiene is essential for preventing the recurrence of gum disease. gum disease treatment in fort smith arIf your gum disease advances, we may prescribe certain antibacterial mouthwashes for patients with large-scale gingivitis. Advanced gum disease can cause an array of problems. The bone loss caused by periodontitis gives your facial structure a sunken appearance. Bone loss affects the area of loss as well as the surrounding areas as the entire bone structure shifts out of place. Surgery will be necessary to replace, or repair lost bone tissue as the body will try to fill in the space with soft tissue instead. Periodontal maintenance is a key factor in helping prevent gum disease from advancing to more serious stages. Contact Harper Dental today to schedule your next periodontal maintenance appointment. |
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