Periodontal Maintenance in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
Periodontal maintenance is a dental treatment for gum disease that includes a series of regularly scheduled dental cleanings. Initially, these cleanings can average being performed every six months, but the frequency of your visits will depend on your specific situation. Your visits will always begin with an exam. We will exam the condition of your teeth, measure the depth of your periodontal pockets, and take x-rays. X-rays allow us to see below the gumline and assess the condition of your teeth and jaw.
Perio Maintenence Information
Gum disease is on the rise, with over half of Americans 30 years and older, and over 70% of adults over the age of sixty-five, who currently have some stage of gum disease. Gum disease starts with an infection, then sensitivity, puffiness, or swelling of the gums. If left untreated, the gum disease can begin to damage your jawbone, which will result in tooth loss or the need for extensive dental surgery. There are also many documented significant health issues associated with gum disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, or a stroke.
One of the best ways to prevent gum disease from developing is through consistent periodontal maintenance. Periodontal maintenance means scheduling regular dental cleanings. Everyone, any age, should have a dental or periodontal visit every six months with PerioImplant Associates for checkups and cleanings. If you are more susceptible to periodontal disease or if you have been treated previously for gum disease you may be advised to schedule periodontal maintenance visits every three months. The frequency will fluctuate with each patient and may be determined by factors such as what stage of gum disease you have, the rate at which your plaque develops, what type of treatments you have had previously, and how successful those treatments have been.
Why Is Periodontal Maintenance So Important?
The primary cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly, every single day, forms on your teeth. The bacteria hidden in this plaque produce toxins, or poisons, which will attack your gums and teeth nonstop. Unless the plaque is consistently removed, it will harden into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Daily brushing and flossing will help prevent the formation of calculus, but it will not completely stop it. No matter how diligent you are with your oral care, any bacterial plaque can cause a recurrence of gum disease from two to four months after your last professional cleaning. Therefore, it is important to continue to have PerioImplant Associates check for hidden problems and remove the plaque at regular intervals, to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
A Typical Periodontal Maintenance Visit
Your periodontal maintenance will always begin with an examination to assess the overall health of your teeth and gums, which will include measuring the depth of your periodontal pockets. We will include X-rays to assess the health of your jaw. Once this exam is completed, our team will begin a thorough cleaning.
If you have a periodontal maintenance exam scheduled, you can expect PerioImplant Associates and the team to:
- Review your oral health history and identify any recent changes to your mouth.
- Perform a thorough exam of the soft tissues of your mouth.
- Measure the depth of each of your pockets around each tooth.
- The removal of any plaque or tartar that has formed on your teeth.
- Take X-rays to evaluate the condition of your teeth and bone below the gumline.
- Conduct an extensive exam to determine if any decay or other dental issues have developed.
- Perform an assessment of your occlusal bite alignment.
- Discuss with you and provide an overall assessment of your current oral hygiene habits.
Your Periodontal Maintenance Costs
The cost of your periodontal maintenance treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your periodontal maintenance exam and available payment options before we begin, so that you can continue to make the best choice for your treatment.
The Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance has several benefits:
- All stubborn plaque and tartar, which cannot be removed with your at-home dental care, is removed.
- Your gums are given the opportunity to heal properly. As the inflammation subsides, your gums will reseal around your teeth.
- It slows and abates the progression of the gum disease.
- It helps protect your natural teeth and can prevent them from falling out. It can also help to prevent the serious health issues that are related to gum disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, and strokes.
How Often Should You Have Maintenance?
Your personal condition is the deciding factor. The interval between your supportive periodontal maintenance visits might be as often as three months or as frequent as every six months. Everyone is different.
The frequency of your periodontal maintenance visits is influenced by:
- The stage of your gum disease.
- The type of periodontal treatment necessary to deal with the intensity of the disease.
- Your natural response to the treatment.
- The rate of reappearing plaque growth.
- Your personal commitment to exercising good oral care at home.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one primary focus every day, and that is to serve you. You might feel apprehensive about visiting a general dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Understanding how you feel, we will take the necessary time to explain the benefits of your procedure that is being proposed for your dental health. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are extensively coached to address all your health issues and concerns. We will share the aspects of your recommended periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain any general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for periodontal maintenance for you. Each teammate will greet you and focus on sending you home with a healthy smile of your own.