Periodontal Maintenance in Wauwatosa, WI
At Cream City Dental, we typically recommend scheduling professional dental cleanings every six months. However, patients with periodontal (gum) disease may require more frequent visits for periodontal maintenance, a practice dedicated to treating and managing periodontal disease. Our goal is to ensure our valued patients maintain long-term healthy smiles!
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a gum infection that starts in the mouth's soft tissues. It usually results from poor dental hygiene, which leads to plaque and bacteria buildup on the teeth and gums. What begins as an inflammation of the gums or gingivitis gradually progresses to periodontitis.
Potential Effects of Periodontal Disease
Patients often report red, swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. Tell-tale signs of gum disease also include bad breath, gum recession, spaces expanding between the teeth, and painful chewing. Periodontitis can destroy the bone and tissue supporting the teeth, often leading to tooth loss.
Periodontal disease can also affect your overall health. The infection can enter your bloodstream, contributing to many health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. Dr. Ibrahem will begin treatment quickly to avoid the potentially harmful effects of the infection.
How Is Periodontitis Treated?
The first step in treating and managing periodontal disease is a non-surgical deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. The procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and root surfaces, then cleaning and smoothing the root surfaces to promote healing and discourage further plaque and bacteria buildup. Scaling and root planing treatment encourages the gums to heal and reattach to the smooth, clean surfaces of the teeth.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Most of our patients require periodontal maintenance appointments every three to four months after scaling and root planing to manage their gum disease and prevent its progression. During your visits, Dr. Ibrahem's team will clean your teeth, evaluate the health of your gums, and measure the depth of the pockets between the gums and teeth.
Dr. Ibrahem will monitor any changes to your gums to make sure the treatment is working. Regular x-rays will help monitor any further bone loss. The goal of periodontal maintenance is to ensure the condition does not progress and your gums and bone stay healthy and sound.
Periodontal Maintenance Near Me
Contact Cream City Dental in Wauwatosa to discuss your options for managing periodontal disease. Dr. Ibrahem and his professional staff look forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile for many years to come! Call us and schedule your appointment today!