Periodontics

Periodontal Maintenance

If you’ve been treated for gum disease, routine cleanings are not enough to keep your mouth healthy. That’s where periodontal maintenance comes in. At Perfect Smiles of Beverly, we provide personalized periodontal care to help you maintain healthy gums, prevent reinfection, and keep your smile strong.

When is Periodontal Maintenance needed?

Your team at Perfect Smiles of Beverly can offer guidance when deciding what level of periodontal treatment, and maintenance you need. A more proactive, designated treatment plan for periodontal maintenance may be necessary if you’ve experienced any of the following:

  • Moderate to advanced periodontitis
  • Deep gum pockets or bone loss
  • Deep cleaning, scaling and root planing treatment
  • Gum surgery or other periodontal procedures
  • Bleeding gums, loose teeth, or past infections

Keep your gums feeling good with ongoing care; prevention is key to keeping issues from returning even after initial treatment. Without maintenance, harmful bacteria can quickly rebuild and compromise your health. Our team is here to help you when making long-term care decisions, scheduling necessary treatments, and actively addressing potential problems before they occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

We recommend scheduling dental cleanings and exams every six months for optimal oral health. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your specific needs.

Do you accept my insurance?

We work with a wide variety of dental insurance providers. Please contact our office or visit our Insurance & Payment page for a full list of accepted plans.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit typically includes a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and a discussion about your dental health goals. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan for you.

How often should I brush my teeth, and what is the proper technique?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and an ADA-approved toothpaste. For the best results:

  • Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  • Use gentle, circular motions to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
  • Don’t forget to brush the inside of your front teeth and your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended as they can efficiently remove plaque by simply guiding the brush while it works on multiple teeth at a time.

How often should I floss, and what is the correct way to do it?

You should floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Follow these steps for effective flossing:

  • Use about 12-16 inches of dental floss, wrapping it around your middle fingers, with 2 inches of floss between them.
  • Gently insert the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, sliding it up and down to clean the side of each tooth and below the gumline.

If you find regular floss difficult to use, floss holders are a helpful alternative.

How often should I schedule dental cleanings and exams?

It is generally recommended to schedule dental cleanings and exams every six months. Regular visits help prevent common issues like cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. They also allow your dentist to catch potential problems early. However, depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits. Always follow your dentist’s advice based on your individual needs.

How is periodontal maintenance different from a regular cleaning?

Your routine dental cleanings focus on removing normal buildup of plaque and tartar from above the gum; this is typically what is needed for patients with healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance, on the other hand cleans below the gum line, where infection starts. This type of maintenance targets the tooth roots and deep pockets and may include localized antibiotic treatment. Periodontal maintenance typically involves detailed charting and gum measurements at each visit and is tailored to manage chronic periodontal conditions. This specialized care keeps your gums stable and reduces the risk of future tooth loss or systemic inflammation linked to gum disease.

We know how important gum health is to your overall well-being. Our experienced team provides compassionate, non-judgmental periodontal maintenance that’s tailored to your needs.

What you can expect from us:

  • Thorough cleanings with advanced tools and techniques
  • Close monitoring of your gum health over time
  • Personalized care plans to keep your smile stable
  • Friendly reminders to help you stay on schedule

We make every visit comfortable and informative, so you always feel in control of your oral health.

 

More Family Dentistry Services

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.

First time visiting?

First time visiting?

Visit the Patient Center to learn what to expect from your first visit, forms, financial policies, and frequently asked questions!

Our patients us in

Beverly, Chicago

Leave us a Review