Periodontal Maintenance in Albuquerque, NM

Periodontics is a dental specialty that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum disease and other issues that affect the gums.

As part of your regular checkups, our dental team will assess your risk of developing gum disease. If you have risk factors, such as diabetes, systemic disease, or recent tooth loss, you may need to schedule more frequent cleanings, called periodontal maintenance visits.

What are dental cleanings?

A dental cleaning is a preventative service that your dentist may perform at a general checkup or during a separate appointment. A dental cleaning is typically a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gum line.

Your dentist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This may include special dental floss, a water pick, or an ultrasonic scaler, depending on the severity of the plaque and tartar buildup.

What are scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is one of the most commonly performed procedures in dentistry. Scaling and root planing are used to treat gum disease. When plaque and tartar build-up around your gums and start to irritate the soft tissue, it can lead to gum disease.

When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to other health issues. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical, deep cleaning treatment. Scaling and root planing help remove plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of your teeth. It also smoothes the roots so that bacteria are unable to stick to them, effectively stopping the progression of gum disease.

What is periodontal maintenance therapy?

Periodontal maintenance therapy is an ongoing dental procedure that is designed to treat periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that destroys gum tissue and results in bone and tooth loss. This infection is typically caused by poor oral hygiene and uncleaned teeth.

How often is periodontal maintenance needed?

Periodontal maintenance is a series of treatments that are performed over several visits, usually four, throughout the year. These appointments allow our dental hygienists to monitor the health of your gums and teeth, prevent periodontal disease, and treat any conditions that may arise.

In between visits, it is your responsibility to keep your mouth clean and healthy by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. We will discuss the right brushing and flossing techniques at your visits. Many people who have just been diagnosed with periodontal disease will need to have more frequent visits until their condition is under control.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Gherardi and Moore Dental, call (505)-293-6125 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist in Albuquerque, NM at 8310 Palomas Ave NE Suite A, Albuquerque, NM 87109.