Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal Maintenance at Northwest Dental Specialists

At Northwest Dental Specialists, we understand the importance of maintaining periodontal health for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Dr. Paola Rojas, a highly skilled periodontist in Mt. Prospect, IL, specializes in advanced care for the gums and supporting structures of your teeth, offering expert periodontal maintenance services to protect against the harmful effects of gum disease.

What is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized dental cleaning designed for patients undergoing periodontal treatment, such as deep cleaning or root planing. Unlike regular dental cleaning, this procedure focuses on maintaining gum health, preventing the recurrence of periodontal disease, and halting the progression of the disease.

During a perio maintenance visit, our team carefully removes plaque, calculus, and bacteria from below the gum line, targeting periodontal pockets that are difficult to clean at home. This proactive care supports healthy gums, prevents gum recession, and reduces the risk of tooth loss caused by gum disease.

Importance of Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care to manage. Without regular care, bacteria can accumulate and cause inflammation, infection, and damage to the gums, teeth, and underlying bone. Consistent periodontal maintenance is essential to:

• Prevent the progression of the disease
• Minimize inflammation, irritation, and risk of abscesses
• Maintain the results of previous periodontal therapy
• Support overall health, as periodontal disease has been linked to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes

Maintaining oral health through periodontal maintenance helps protect your oral tissues and can positively affect your overall well-being.

What to Expect During a Perio Maintenance Visit

A periodontal maintenance visit at Northwest Dental Specialists in Mt. Prospect, IL, includes several key components to comprehensively address your oral health.

Thorough Examination

Dr. Rojas will assess your oral health, focusing on the condition of your gums and the depth of your periodontal pockets.

Plaque and Calculus Removal

We will use specialized tools to remove plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line, paying particular attention to areas prone to bacteria buildup.

Root Planing

Root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that smooths out the surfaces of tooth roots, may be necessary if plaque and calculus have accumulated below the gum line. This process helps remove any remaining bacteria and toxins contributing to gingival inflammation and disease progression.

Inflammation and Gum Health Check

Our team will carefully monitor your gums for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or irritation to ensure they are healing and responding well to treatment.

How Does Periodontal Maintenance Differ from Regular Dental Cleaning?

One of the primary differences between periodontal maintenance and regular dental cleaning lies in the depth of care provided. While routine cleanings focus on removing plaque from the tooth surface and gum line, perio maintenance targets deeper areas, including periodontal pockets, to prevent the return of periodontitis.

How Often Do You Need Periodontal Maintenance

The frequency of periodontal maintenance visits depends on your individual needs. Most patients benefit from appointments every 3 to 4 months, as this interval is ideal for managing bacteria and maintaining gum health. During your consultation, Dr. Rojas will develop a personalized care plan tailored to your periodontal health.

Trust Your Gum Health to Northwest Dental Specialists

At Northwest Dental Specialists, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain healthy gums through expert care and personalized treatment. Whether you’re managing the effects of periodontal disease or seeking long-term oral health solutions, our team is here to support you through every step.

Take control of your gum health and protect your smile with professional periodontal maintenance in Mt. Prospect, IL. Call us at (847) 398-0404 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paola Rojas and ensure your gums and teeth stay healthy for years!