This is a block of text. Double-click this text to edit it.Ridgeview Family Dental offers periodontal maintenance treatment in Jonesborough, TN. Call 423-753-9191 today to schedule an appointment.
What Is A Periodontal Maintenance Program?
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a prevalent cause of tooth loss among older patients. However, it can occur at any age. If the disease progresses past its first stage, known as gingivitis, it may be difficult to control. Periodontal maintenance programs help patients keep gum disease in check and preserve their natural teeth well into the future.
Periodontal disease occurs when tartar and plaque build up on the tooth surface above and below the gum line. Tartar is a hard substance that forms without proper oral hygiene. Plaque and tartar create bacterial toxins that affect gum health, causing swelling, bleeding, and infection.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may need to begin a periodontal maintenance program:
- Swollen gums that are dark purple, dark red, or bright red
- Tender gums that bleed when touched
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Difficulty chewing
- New spaces between teeth
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Altered dental bite
Benefits of A Periodontal Maintenance Program
Keep Gum Disease Under Control
Periodontal maintenance can prevent many of the damaging effects of gum disease.
Save Your Natural Teeth
If periodontal disease progresses to the point where your teeth become loose, treatment becomes an emergency. A periodontal maintenance program can slow the disease's progression.
Control Bad Breath
Many patients with gum disease have persistent bad breath, which can affect them in family and social situations. Patients who receive regular care are less likely to develop this condition.
Prevent Severe Infections
Infected gums can accumulate pus and cause severe systemic infections. Periodontal maintenance helps to protect general health.
Why Choose Ridgeview Family Dental?
We provide targeted care for patients with periodontal disease to save their natural teeth. We also offer comprehensive family dental care for all ages. We want our patients to consider our office their dental home.
Procedures Offered
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are two critical elements in fighting periodontal disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, but only a dental professional can remove tartar from teeth. The hygienist uses a scaler to scrape away all traces of tartar and plaque.
Root planing involves smoothing the root surface below the gum line. Receding gum tissue can then adhere to the clean, healthy root.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child may have gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Keeping gingivitis under control should be a top priority, especially for children. Please help your child brush and floss, especially under age 7, to ensure they do it thoroughly. Visit us for cleanings twice annually. If your child has gum disease, they may need more frequent visits.
Call Ridgeview Family Dental
Periodontal maintenance may seem like a chore, but it is vital to preserving your teeth for a lifetime. If you have any symptoms of periodontal disease, please call our Jonesborough, TN, office at 423-753-9191 for an evaluation today.