Maintenance
Plaque on takes 24 hours to develop intocalculus (tartar) if it is not removed from your teeth! Daily home cleaning is vital and helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention from a dentist.
Once your periodontal treatment is finished, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), typically 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 hard 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.
It is essential to have good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings, maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!
