PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE

After the initial periodontal therapy research has  indicated that the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health.

 

Regular maintenance is the most important phase of the periodontal treatment.

 

This is achieved by close monitoring  of various indicators of inflammation  oral hygiene status.

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This is recommended on a periodic basis and depends on the level of disease and individual susceptibility. This can be performed in conjunction with your general dentist and is customised according to periodontal disease severity.  The frequency of periodontal maintenance is based on:

 

• the type of periodontal disease you have

• the type of periodontal treatment you have

• your response to treatment

• your rate of plaque growth

• your personal commitment to good oral care at home

• your general medical health

 

 Your maintenance/supportive periodontal care visit may include:

 

• discussion of any changes in your health history

• examination of your mouth tissues for abnormal changes

• measurement of the depth of pockets around your teeth

• assessment of your oral hygiene habits and provision of instruction

• removal of bacterial plaque and tartar

• x-ray film studies to evaluate your teeth and the bone supporting your teeth

• examination of your teeth for decay and other dental problems

• review the way your teeth fit together when you bite

• application or prescription of medications to reduce tooth sensitivity or other problems you may have