Periodontal Maintenance

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE? 

As you have learned through the treatment process, you are susceptible to the recurrence of periodontal disease. The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that is constantly forming on your teeth. The bacteria within this thin film produce toxins that attack your gum tissue. Unless the plaque is entirely removed, it hardens into a rough, barnacle-like deposit, called calculus (or tartar). Daily brushing and flossing will limit the formation of calculus, but will not completely prevent it. Even with a very careful daily routine, minute amounts of plaque and calculus can cause the recurrence of your periodontal disease 2-4 months after your last professional cleaning. Therefore, a dental professional with an experienced eye will be able to identify, remove, and continue to monitor your mouth at time intervals appropriate for you with the goal of keeping your periodontal disease under control.

WHEN DOES THIS OCCUR?

After Dr. Fiorica has completed the active phase of periodontal treatment, it is important to keep your periodontal disease in a healthy state. In order to help further prevent the "bad" (or anaerobic) bacteria from repopulating, we recommend you return every three months for maintenance visits. Typically, we have you alternate office visits with your general dentist. This will allow us to work as a team in keeping your smile beautiful and healthy.