Supportive Periodontal Therapy – Periodontal Maintenance
After Drs. Ira and Lori have completed the active phase of periodontal treatment, our goal is to help you maintain optimal oral health. We will then provide you with a personalized periodontal maintenance program.
Periodontal maintenance therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent disease recurrence in the gum tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Adherence to a program of conscientious oral home care and regularly scheduled periodontal maintenance therapy visits with your dentist and the team at Levenson Periodontal Associates, will give you an excellent chance of maintaining oral health for your lifetime.
It should be noted that bacterial and inflammatory mediated forms of gum disease cannot be cured, but proper periodontal maintenance is one of the essential tools that can effectively prevent disease recurrence and halt disease progression.
Why is Supportive Periodontal Therapy Important?
You may be more susceptible to gum disease and as you have learned, the main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque – a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. The problem with bacterial plaque is that it produces toxins, or poisons, which constantly attack your gums and teeth. Unless plaque is removed, it hardens into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. While daily brushing and flossing will help to minimize the formation of calculus, it won’t completely prevent it. No matter how careful you are in cleaning your teeth and gums, bacterial plaque can cause a recurrence of gum disease from two to four months after your last professional cleaning. Therefore, a dental professional must check for hidden problems and remove the hardened plaque (calculus) at time intervals appropriate for you so that your teeth and gums stay healthy. https://www.perio.org/consumer/difference-between-plaque-and-calculus
Who Should Perform My Supportive Periodontal Therapy?
Depending on the severity of your gum disease before treatment coupled with the clinical outcome following treatment, Drs. Ira and Lori will discuss with you who should provide your supportive periodontal therapy. In general the more severe your periodontal disease is initially, the more often a periodontist needs to oversee your care. Together, you, your general dentist and the team at Levenson Periodontal Associates will work out the most effective schedule for your supportive periodontal therapy. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology recommend that patients that have had treatment for periodontal disease have periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months.
What to expect for your supportive periodontal therapy visit:
- discussion of any changes in your health history
- examination of your oral tissues for abnormal changes
- measurement of the depth of pockets around your teeth
- assessment of your oral hygiene habits and reenforcement of oral hygiene techniques
- removal of bacterial plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
- radiographs may be needed to evaluate the bone supporting your teeth
- examination of your teeth for decay and other dental problems
- evaluation of your bite and the TMJ (Jaw joint)
- application or prescription of medications to reduce tooth sensitivity or other dental problems you may have.
How Often Should You Have Supportive Periodontal Therapy Visits?
Your periodontal condition as well as the effectiveness of your home care are some of the deciding factors on how often you will need supportive periodontal therapy (periodontal maintenance). The interval between your periodontal visits might be as often as every 2 months or as frequent as every 4 months. Every patient is unique and will be treated individually. https://www.bda.org/library/student-services/PublishingImages/periodontologybundle/BDJ_Darcey_379.pdf
The frequency of your supportive periodontal therapy visits will be influenced by:
- the type of periodontal disease you have
- the type of periodontal treatment you’ve had
- your response to treatment
- your rate of plaque growth
- your personal commitment to good oral care at home
- your systemic health
- your lifestyle habits including tobacco usage, alcohol, and nutrition
What is the Relationship Between Your Dentist & Levenson Periodontal Associates?
The team at Levenson Periodontal Associates working with your general dentist, will help formulate the best treatment plan for your optional oral health. Both offices keep each other up to date about your progress and although we may see you periodically for supportive periodontal therapy, you will need to see your general dentist as well. After each appointment at Levenson Periodontal Associates, a letter will be sent to your general dentist with a complete update on our findings and recommendations. Please note that periodontal supportive therapy appointments with Levenson Periodontal Associates does not replace regular dental checkups with your general dentist. If we detect tooth decay during a maintenance visit, we will refer you to your general dentist for treatment. Your general dentist is primarily responsible for your overall dental health, including such dental needs as filling new or recurrent cavities or making changes in fillings, crowns or bridges and partial dentures.
Benefits of Periodontal Supportive Therapy:
- Prevent the recurrence and progression of periodontal disease which can result in tooth loss in adults
- Help contribute to improved systemic health
- Chew with more comfort
- Smile and speak with greater confidence
- Keep dental costs down by preventing future problems
- Fresher breath