Supportive Periodontal Therapy

Once periodontal disease is brought under control with treatment, it is very important that you get periodontal maintenance care on a regular basis. Periodontal maintenance is deeper than a normal cleaning in the dental office. Deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar. Plaque ( rhymes with “back”) is a sticky film that is always forming on your teeth. If plaque stayson teeth, it can harden above and below the gum line into a rough surface called tartar. Tartar can only be removed when teeth are cleaned by a dental professional.

Patients with a history of periodontal disease need a deeper cleaning because they have formed “pockets.” Pockets are spaces between the teeth and gums that can trap plaque and tartar. With regular deep cleanings, the pockets can shrink and the gums can become healthier.

If you have had periodontal surgery or have been diagnosed with periodontal disease you will need more frequent visits than other patients. This is because the gum pockets and other effects of periodontal disease make it more difficult for you to clean plaque from your teeth and gums. Your Periodontist/ Dentistmay recommend treatment every two to three months, or even more often.

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