Periodontal Maintenance Specialists

What is periodontal maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a special type of teeth cleaning performed by a specially trained dental hygienist at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants. Periodontal maintenance offers a more in-depth cleaning than a standard teeth cleaning. 

During periodontal maintenance, your hygienist uses special methods and tools to clean your natural teeth, dental implants, and gums. With regular periodontal maintenance, you can take control of your oral health following your dental implant procedure.  

Periodontal maintenance can stop periodontal disease, prevent it from returning, and protect against jawbone loss. Because you need a sturdy and healthy jaw to hold dental implants in place, periodontal maintenance is essential for optimal implant outcomes.

How does periodontal maintenance work?

Periodontal maintenance involves removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth and beneath your gums. Your hygienist also smooths your natural tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to attach in the future. 

Your hygienist checks the pockets in your gums (areas where the gums pull away from the teeth because of periodontal disease). If you have new signs of periodontal disease, your hygienist irrigates the gum pockets using antiseptics. They may administer local antibiotics to fight infection and help your gums heal. 

Periodontal maintenance also includes support for your home oral health care routines. Your hygienist can explain what you're doing right, where you could improve, and offer helpful tips and tricks for keeping your natural teeth and dental implants in optimal shape. 

In some cases, you may also need to use special trays at home. These custom-made mouth trays can deliver medication to your gums to reduce bacteria and help you maintain your oral health.

How often do I need periodontal maintenance appointments?

Once you've adequately treated periodontal disease or after your dental implant procedure, St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants typically recommends scheduling periodontal maintenance every three to four months. 

St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants is there to help you get the very best implant outcomes, and periodontal maintenance plays an essential role. Learn more by calling the office and consulting with a friendly team member or request an poointment on our website now!