Periodontal Maintenance Frequency

Periodontal Maintenance Frequency

Some people are susceptible to gum disease (gingivitis), or perhaps more importantly, bone disease (periodontitis), and thus lose a greater amount of bone in a shorter time than do other people. Our initial examination process evaluates the current risk level by measuring for inflammation around the gum of each tooth, assessing for loosening of the teeth, and viewing of the bone level, which is seen on dental x-rays.

Periodontal Maintenance Frequency

If someone has a large home, and it has not been cleaned in many years, it would take longer to clean than a small home with regular cleaning service (one could also apply this to dental maintenance other than just cleaning). The selective elimination would therefore reduce this risk category, making the outcome of treatment more predictable.

Periodontal Maintenance Frequency

Reducing a person's risk level is the goal, and it may be achieved by initial therapy, antibiotic treatment, increased frequency of maintenance, and sometimes elimination of the selected at risk teeth.

Periodontal Maintenance Vs Prophylaxis

Periodontal Maintenance Vs Prophylaxis

Gum disease, also known as "periodontal disease" (peri: surrounding, dont: tooth) affects about a third of all adults and is the most common cause for tooth loss, the other major cause being dental decay. While there are many risk factors for gum disease that can make an individual susceptible, dental plaque is the major cause of gum disease.

Periodontal Maintenance Vs Prophylaxis

Dental plaque is a sticky film which forms on teeth and teems with microbes. The gums respond to these plaque organisms by inflammation, which is known as "gingivitis." Common complaints which could imply an underlying gum problem are gum bleeding, especially on brushing or chewing, a foul taste or bad breath, and a dull ache or itchy feeling in gums. As the disease advances, it causes the gums to recede, teeth to loosen and, sometimes, painful abscesses and tooth loss.

Periodontal Maintenance Vs Prophylaxis

Serious gum disease is preventable to a very large extent. The basic treatment involves "scaling and root planing," which removes plaque and calculus from below the gum line and infected roots with special ultrasonic devices. Serious gum problems account for a chunk of dental care costs, and evidence shows that simply preventing gum disease can mean a 21 percent reduction of total health care costs.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal Maintenance

The number one reason people are not getting their regular maintenance performed is the high costs involved. Periodontal work, whether performed by a general dentist or a periodontist, is quite expensive for those with this disease. The frequency of necessary Periodontal Maintenance (performed every three months) along with a lack of affordable care, can make routine maintenance out of reach for many Americans.

Periodontal Maintenance

There are some lower cost options becoming available to patients, and a movement is rising among dentists to offer more affordable dental care to those who do not have insurance.When a patient has to skip regular cleanings and treatments due to a lack of affordable dental care, the dentists know that it negates the good work they have been performing.

Periodontal Maintenance

For a patient with this disease, sporadic work is not adequate to keep the disease from spreading. Thousands of Americans suffer from periodontal disease, but with regular maintenance, this disease can be regulated. Many dentists are now offering cheaper services to patients with periodontal disease.