Periodontal (Gum) Disease Maintenance
Williston Park, NY
Periodontal disease, also commonly referred to as gum disease, is a common oral health condition. About half of all adults over the age of 30 have suffered from some form of periodontal disease. This disease is an infection of your gums that begins as a result of plaque and bacteria accumulating on your teeth. These substances irritate your gums, causing inflammation. Eventually, the swollen tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, causing gaps, or periodontal pockets, to form. Without treatment, the pockets grow deeper and deeper. Bacteria eventually reach your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone, attacking these supporting structures and causing them to weaken. This leads to loose teeth and can ultimately result in tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease can also have a significant impact on your overall health, causing serious health issues. When periodontal disease develops, treatment is needed right away. Long Island Smile can help with periodontal disease maintenance.
Treating Periodontal Disease with Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are two procedures performed to treat periodontal disease. This set of treatments is a type of deep cleaning for your teeth that involves cleaning the surfaces above and below your gum line. Scaling is the process of cleaning the surfaces above the gum line. A special tool called a scaler is used to effectively remove plaque, tartar, bacteria, and other debris from all surfaces of your teeth.
Root planing is the process of cleaning the root surfaces of your teeth. Specialized tools are inserted below the gums and are used to remove plaque, bacteria, and toxins, smoothing the roots. By cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, it becomes more difficult for new bacteria to accumulate. It is also easier for your gum tissue to begin reattaching to your teeth. An antibacterial rinse is used to help kill any remaining bacteria and you are scheduled for a follow-up appointment to check your progress.
What is Periodontal Disease Maintenance?
If your gums are not showing adequate healing progress at your follow up appointment, you may then be scheduled for periodontal disease maintenance. This treatment is a series of regularly scheduled appointments. These appointments are designed to further aid in stopping the progression of gum disease, helping your mouth to heal properly.
During these appointments, your mouth is examined. Any buildup on your teeth is noted. Periodontal pockets are measured to make sure the pocket depths are becoming shallower. We may also take X-rays, which allow us to examine the condition of your jawbone. After examining your mouth, your teeth are provided with a thorough cleaning. The frequency of your periodontal disease maintenance visits depends upon the severity of your condition. We can help to determine the frequency that will provide you with the best results.
What are the Benefits of Periodontal Disease Maintenance?
There are many benefits associated with periodontal disease maintenance. These benefits include
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Alleviating gum irritation. |
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Reducing the depths of your periodontal pockets. |
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Slowing and stopping periodontal disease progression. |
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Helping to improve your oral health. |
When one treatment for periodontal disease is not enough to stop the progression of the disease, a periodontal disease maintenance program can help to put a stop to the progression of the disease and help your mouth to begin healing. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, contact Long Island Smile at (516) 243-7473 today.
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