Supportive Periodontal Maintenance

Dentistry has long preached that everyone should brush and floss daily and visit their dentist at least twice a year for check ups.

Periodic examination of the oral cavity is a necessity.  It is nearly impossible for an individual to see inside the mouth even with a mirror and therefore problems may be present which go undetected for years.  The longer a periodontal problem or a cavity is present, the larger the potential is for serious damage. 

Regular professional cleanings remove the deposits of plaque and calculus from hard to reach areas like in between the teeth and below the gum line.   If these deposits are not regularly removed, cavities and periodontal pockets usually result.  It has been shown that without routine maintenance there is a 20-fold increase in the chance of recurrent disease. Most patients who are susceptible to periodontal disease must be seen for periodontal maintenance appointments every three months, rather than the typical twice yearly cleanings. Often, maintenance appointments are alternated between the general dentist and the periodontist.

Furthermore, regular preventive dental cleanings are far more economical than restorative treatment to replace lost teeth.  Additionally, they usually are covered expenses under most dental insurance plans.

Do yourself a favor and stick to a regular preventive program!