It only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into tartar.
Daily home cleanings help control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard-to-reach areas will always need special attention.
What does it involve?
Once we complete your periodontal treatment, we’ll recommend regular maintenance cleanings, usually four times a year. At these visits, we’ll check the pocket depths carefully to ensure that they’re healthy. We’ll also remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line that can only be removed with special dental instruments.
In addition, your maintenance appointment usually includes:
- Examination of diagnostic X-rays
- X-rays are essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. They also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Oral cancer screening
- Your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums are checked for any signs of oral cancer.
- Examination of tooth decay
- Tooth surfaces are checked for decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations
- The condition or your current fillings, crowns, and other restorations are checked.
- Oral hygiene recommendations
- Oral hygiene aids (electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, and other aids) are reviewed and recommended as needed.
- Polishing
- Stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling are removed.
Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control. Why not get started with us today?