Periodontal Maintenance
Plano, TX
 Caring for your gums after treatment for gum disease is what determines your overall oral health. If you do not properly care for your teeth and gums, you may end up causing even more damage to your mouth. At McDonald DDS, we help our patients understand the importance of periodontal maintenance to achieve optimal oral health.
Frequent Cleanings
Patients with advanced gum disease often need the scaling and root planing procedure. This preventative dental procedure cleans the infection out from your tooth’s roots, helping your mouth to heal from the infection. Once we clean and smooth out your roots, you can go back to your normal routine. However, you are at a high risk of contracting gum disease again if you are not careful.
This is why we offer more frequent dental cleanings. Rather than coming in every six months for a cleaning, we recommend cleanings every three months. This means four cleanings a year, but cleanings are non-invasive, and our dentists make the procedure as comfortable as possible. More frequent cleanings give our hygienists a chance to remove the plaque on your teeth before it becomes tartar and starts to cause more gum disease.
Deeper Cleanings
The cleanings you need for periodontal maintenance are a little more detailed than a standard cleaning. Your regular six-month cleanings clean the surface of your enamel and remove any plaque or tartar from your teeth. The deep cleanings go as far as cleaning the pockets in your gums (the area between the bottom of your teeth and the jawbone). These pockets are where gum disease forms, which is why they require frequent cleanings.
Proper Oral Hygiene at Home
In addition to your regular deep cleanings, we encourage you to have proper oral hygiene at home. Frequent brushing and flossing can help reduce your risk of further gum disease. At the very least, you should brush and floss twice a day, but we recommend that you brush after every meal if possible, to eliminate the bacteria and debris quickly.
Regular Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are another crucial part of the periodontal maintenance process. At your exams, our dentists ensure that nothing has changed since your last to. We focus on your gums, but other areas of your mouth as well. We look at the big picture to decide if any procedures are necessary or if your mouth is in good health.
Keeping up with your dental appointments is the best way to overcome the risks that having gum disease causes. Whether it is cleanings, oral cancer screenings, or checkups, our dentists are gentle and effective in helping you achieve optimal oral health. We work with patients of all types, including those with a fear of the dentist. Let us know what you need, and we will make it happen.
Are you interested in learning more about periodontal maintenance? Give us a call at (469) 649-0699. We are happy to help you learn more about your smile!
Or book an appointment with us online today! |
