Our periodontal maintenance program in Keene NH, keeps your gums healthy
Wouldn’t it be nice if you are in charge of your own oral health NOT dental professionals?
At Monadnock Perio & Implant Center, our number one goal is helping patients in the Monadnock and surrounding areas achieve and maintain excellent oral health. We do this by continuously educating our patients about the diseases and their prevention at home every day. Your gums play a vital role in the health of your smile, and if you have undergone treatment for gum disease, we are here to help you maintain your results and prevent the condition from worsening again. With our customized periodontal maintenance program, you can keep gum disease under control and preserve the health and function of your teeth and gums.
Protect your smile with our periodontal maintenance program
Take control of your dental health with personalized periodontal maintenance at Monadnock Perio & Implant Center.
Our program prioritizes your unique needs to maintain dental health and prevent tooth loss.
Periodontal maintenance vs. prophylaxis: which is better for me?
Each patient is unique, and we will work with you to determine the best routine treatment plan for your specific needs. In some cases, patients with early stages of gum disease may need to come in for regular cleanings (prophylaxis) of their teeth on a more frequent basis than patients with healthy gums. However, patients with more advanced periodontal disease like deep pockets, bone loss, exposed roots, prior periodontal surgery, or scaling and root planing. Would typically need a more intensive periodontal maintenance program that cleans the plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gum line. The scientific literature is very clear that receiving regular periodontal maintenance therapy from a periodontist office reduces the chance of tooth loss in the long term.
Look after your gum health to maintain your overall health; Dr. Kwon explains the link
So gum disease is a bacterial infection in the mouth which is caused by bacteria that is living in the gum surrounding the teeth, which sometimes is called as a pocket of the gum. And it’s modulated by many different factors such as systemic health. Sometimes, patient with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes or sometimes osteoporosis, they may actually have some susceptibility to develop periodontal diseases.
And secondly, it can be caused by somebody who is prone to tooth disease genetically. So, unfortunately, some people are prone to gum disease. And third, sometimes environmental factors such as smoking habits which puts them into greater risk for disease and also sometimes diet or their life pattern, exercise pattern. So, it’s a very complex disease that requires a more comprehensive approach to treat.
The first sign that you see is the change in color in your gums. So, a lot of times, the gum tissue appears more red, swollen and when patients brush, sometimes they notice some bleeding. I always tell patients that redness and bleeding in your gum is something that everyone should look for, cause for example, if you rub your eye with your fingers and then you bleed, you are going to see the eye doctor right away. But somehow, when it comes to mouth, sometimes a patient sees bleeding and they always say, “Oh, maybe I’m brushing a little bit too hard”, but it’s one of the first signs you get when there’s a development with gum disease. So, I want everyone to come, look for those signs.
As the disease progresses, a lot of times it becomes a little bit irreversible and it starts affecting the bone that is surrounding the teeth. And as that happens, obviously because the bone is supporting your teeth, the teeth will be a little bit moving or sometimes, they may shift over time. It may cause recession of the gum and bone so your teeth may look a little bit longer.
Gum and bone are the foundation for your teeth and as the disease progresses, unfortunately, patients will experience loss of the gum and bone. As a result, teeth can be lost from the diseases. So, by treating them practically early before it’s too late, we can prevent unfortunate loss of your tooth, which means saving teeth.
There are many scientific areas suggesting a link between periodontal diseases and other systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, some types of cancers and also Alzheimer’s disease. So, by maintaining your gum and bone and your mouth overall healthy, you are actually contributing to overall health of your body.
What to expect during periodontal maintenance cleanings?
Our perio maintenance program is customized for each patient, but a periodontal maintenance cleaning typically includes the following components:
- A visual examination of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues
- X-rays to evaluate whether any new cavities have formed if any bone loss has occurred and whether there are any other abnormalities in existing dental restorations or abnormal findings in your mouth, neck, and head
- Gentle removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gum line: first, we use a specialized instrument that combines ultrasonic vibrations and cooling water to loosen large tartar pieces and then manually remove the smaller deposits by hand
- Smoothing out of the tooth roots (root planing) to help close any loose pockets and promote healthy reattachment of your gums to the teeth
- Topical fluoride application as a complementary service to reduce your sensitivity from exposed root surfaces and to help you prevent cavities
Your partners in oral health
At Monadnock Perio & Implant Center, our team of dental professionals takes pride in working together with you to restore and maintain your oral health. We strive to maintain long-term relationships with our patients to have the continuity of care they deserve in a fun, relaxing environment. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Kwon or Dr. Tase, call our Keene, NH office today at (603) 215-5800!
Frequently asked questions
1. What is periodontal maintenance? Why is it important?
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized dental cleaning program designed to manage gum health and prevent the progression of periodontal disease. It involves the thorough removal of plaque and tartar below the gumline, monitoring of gum pocket depths, and detailed examinations to ensure your mouth stays healthy. This program maintains the structural foundation of your teeth and supports your overall oral health.
2. How does periodontal maintenance differ from a regular cleaning?
A regular dental cleaning focuses on cleaning the surfaces of your teeth above the gumline to maintain overall oral hygiene. Periodontal maintenance, however, is more in-depth, targeting bacteria and buildup both above and below the gumline, particularly in areas affected by periodontal disease. It provides the necessary care to prevent further damage to your gums and supporting bone.
3. How often should I schedule periodontal maintenance appointments?
This differs based on your specific condition. We recommend visits every 3-4 months. This regular schedule keeps harmful bacteria at bay and ensures that any issues are identified early.
4. What benefits does periodontal maintenance provide?
Periodontal maintenance offers a range of benefits. It prevents further bone loss, stabilizes your gum health, and reduces the potential risk of tooth loss. This program also supports your overall health, as research has shown connections between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular maintenance promotes a healthy smile and improves your quality of life.
5. How much does periodontal maintenance cost?
The cost of periodontal maintenance varies depending on the extent of care required for the patient and their specific needs. Our team at Monadnock Perio provides detailed estimates during your consultation appointment. We aim to offer high-quality care that fits your budget. Payment plans and financing options might also be available to ensure you receive the care you need.
6. Does insurance cover periodontal maintenance?
Many of our patients’ dental insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of periodontal maintenance as part of their periodontal care benefits. Our team at Monadnock Perio in Keene and Peterborough, New Hampshire, is happy to assist you with understanding your insurance benefits, filing claims, and answering questions about coverage.
7. How can I find periodontal maintenance services near me?
If you are in Keene or Peterborough, New Hampshire, Dr. Tae Kwon and his associates at Monadnock Perio and Implant Center are here to help. Convenient locations ensure you can access expert periodontal care close to home. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our program, feel free to contact us directly.
8. Who should consider joining the periodontal maintenance program?
Anyone who has been treated for periodontal disease or is at a higher risk of developing gum disease should consider joining our maintenance program. This includes individuals with a history of gum infections, bone loss, or risk factors such as smoking or diabetes. Regular care tailored to your specific needs can make a significant difference in maintaining long-term oral health.
9. What can I expect during a periodontal maintenance visit?
During your appointment, our skilled hygienists thoroughly clean your teeth and gum tissues, removing any plaque, tartar, or bacterial buildup. We also assess your gum health, measure pocket depths, and look for any signs of either inflammation or infection. The team reviews your progress and provides personalized advice to support your oral health goals.
10. What if I still have questions or want to learn more?
We are here to guide you every step of the way. If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about the periodontal maintenance program at Monadnock Perio and Implant Center, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our friendly team in Keene and Peterborough is always happy to assist you and provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your oral health.
