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Dental Library > Periodontal
Disease > Maintenance
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Periodontal Disease | Maintenance
Maintenance
It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that
is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)!
Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation,
but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed,
your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you
have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings),
usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments,
the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that
they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for
you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above
and below the gum line.
In addition to your periodontal cleaning and
evaluation, your appointment will usually include:
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Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs):
Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone
loss.X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
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Examination of existing restorations: Check
current fillings, crowns, etc.
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Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth
surfaces for decay.
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Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck,
lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs
of oral cancer.
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Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and
recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes,
special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)
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Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque
that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and
scaling.
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Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal
cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and
keeping periodontal disease under control!
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