If you want to live a healthy life, it is important that you take care of your entire body. And while not everyone thinks of this, that includes your teeth! You must take good care of your oral health and do your best to ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible. If they are not, then you could end up developing something known as periodontal disease. This is a serious issue that could potentially impact your quality of life in a negative way. If you do end up with periodontal disease, then you should seek out regular periodontal maintenance that will help keep the disease from progressing. If you are a smoker, learn the risks and how we can help restore your smile.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a dental condition that affects the health of your teeth and your gums. Remember that our mouths are, invariably, full of bacteria. This bacteria, in conjunction with other things like mucus, can eventually end up as tartar, which is a harmful kind of hardened plaque that is not removed by brushing alone. The longer this tartar remains on your teeth and gums, the mark harmful it can become. There are many levels of the disease, and the severity of your symptoms will depend upon just how long the disease has had time to settle in. In general, however, periodontal disease can cause your teeth to pull away from your gums and eventually become filled with infection. This can lead to tissue and bone loss, which can in turn lead to teeth that are loose and full of infection, and must eventually be removed.
What is periodontal maintenance?
If you have already been treated for periodontal disease, you might think that the fight is over – but unfortunately, that might not be the case. You will need to continue seeing your dentist regularly in order to keep an eye on your teeth and gums and make sure that there are no more signs or symptoms of periodontal disease. This helps us catch any further issues as quickly as possible so that we can get rid of them before they have a chance to do lasting damage to your oral health.
Periodontal maintenance, then, is a procedure that is meant for individuals who have already been treated for some form of periodontal disease. The maintenance will begin after you have completed an active periodontal therapy treatment plan. You will visit your dentist regularly every three or four months, with the exact time being determined by you and your dentist. This will help us keep your mouth clean and disease free!
We understand that our patients are unique and have their own specific needs. We are dedicated to working with each and every patient in order to create a treatment and maintenance plan that works for them. If you are struggling with periodontal disease, do not attempt to fight it alone! You need the help of experienced dentists, and we can help you find the perfect fit. Please reach out and give us a call at (520) 809-7703 as quickly as possible, and let us get you back on the road toward good oral health.
