Periodontal Maintenance Appointments in Hilliard, OH

Specialized Cleanings for Gum Health in Hilliard, OH

Maintaining optimal oral health requires more than just routine dental prophylaxis. For those diagnosed with periodontal disease (also called gum disease), periodontal maintenance appointments are essential to preserve your smile and prevent further complications. Our Hilliard, OH, dentist provides comprehensive periodontal care to combat gum disease and protect your overall health.

Schedule a periodontal maintenance appointment at our Hilliard dental practice at (614) 771-6060.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance differs significantly from regular teeth cleaning. It’s a specialized dental cleaning designed to remove harmful bacteria, plaque buildup, and visible tartar that cause or worsen periodontal disease. This prescribed treatment is crucial for patients who have already undergone periodontal therapy and have a history of gum disease.

Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on your condition and our dentist’s recommendation. This more frequent cleaning schedule helps maintain gum health and prevents dangerous bacterial growth below the gum line.

The Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance

There are numerous benefits to maintaining a routine schedule of periodontal cleanings:

• Prevents progression of periodontal disease: These specialized cleanings remove bacteria and plaque buildup that regular brushing can’t reach, particularly in deeper gum pockets.
• Prevents tooth loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular periodontal maintenance appointments significantly reduce this risk.
• Maintains optimal oral health: Consistent periodontal care helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and can prevent other extensive oral health problems, including cavities and bad breath.
• Protects systemic health: Research shows links between periodontal disease and systemic health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Your periodontal stability can positively impact your overall health.
• Early detection: Your dental hygienist may detect other health concerns during your periodontal maintenance appointments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?

Anyone who has been diagnosed with periodontal disease and has undergone periodontal therapy will require special teeth cleanings. Additionally, you may benefit from periodontal maintenance if you:

• Have a family history of gum disease
• Smoke or use tobacco products
• Have diabetes or other conditions that compromise immune response
• Are pregnant (hormonal changes can increase susceptibility to gum disease)
• Take medications that cause dry mouth
• Have experienced previous gum recession

To determine if you need periodontal maintenance, contact our Hilliard dental office at (614) 771-6060 for an evaluation.

The Periodontal Maintenance Process

The periodontal maintenance process is more thorough than routine dental cleanings. Here’s what to expect:

1. Comprehensive evaluation: Our dentist will assess your gum health, measuring gum pockets and checking for signs of inflammation or infection.
2. Scaling and root planing: If necessary, our dental hygienist scales below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup, then performs root planing to smooth rough spots on tooth roots where bacteria thrive.
3. Deep cleaning: Special attention is given to areas with excessive bacterial buildup, potentially using antiseptic medications to eliminate harmful bacteria.
4. Polishing: After thorough cleaning, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and any remaining plaque.
5. Oral hygiene education: Our team provides personalized oral hygiene instructions to help you maintain gum health between appointments.
6. Treatment planning: Based on your periodontal stability, we’ll schedule your next periodontal maintenance appointment, typically three to four months later.

The Cost of Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings

On average, periodontal maintenance appointments range from $150 to $300, depending on the complexity of your case. This cost reflects the specialized nature of the treatment compared to regular dental cleaning.

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal maintenance, though coverage varies. Our dental office staff can help verify your insurance coverage and explain expected out-of-pocket costs.

Money-saving tips for periodontal care:

• Ask about our payment plans for Hilliard patients
• Inquire about our preventative care packages
• Consider dental discount plans if you lack traditional insurance
• Remember that preventing tooth loss through maintenance is far more cost-effective than restorative procedures

How to Maintain Healthy Gums at Home

Between scheduled appointments, our Hilliard dentist recommends these strategies to maintain gum health:

• Brush thoroughly twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss daily, paying special attention to the gum line
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
• Consider water flossers or interdental brushes for hard-to-reach areas
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D
• Stay hydrated to promote healthy saliva production
• Monitor for signs of gum inflammation or bleeding