Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings

Maintain Gum Health at Gentle Family Dentistry

Have you suffered from gum disease in the past? Are you looking for gum disease treatment? At Gentle Family Dentistry, our Bakersfield dentist offers general dental care to ensure that gum disease is stopped in its tracks and your oral health is in pristine condition.

To schedule an appointment at our Bakersfield dental office, contact our team today at 661-664-9900!

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a professional dental cleaning designed to remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup that can cause or worsen periodontal disease. It’s an essential treatment for people who have already undergone periodontal therapy and have a history of gum disease. Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the patient’s condition and the recommendation of their dentist or periodontist.

Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance

There are many benefits to regular periodontal maintenance appointments for those who suffer from gum disease, including:

• Prevents periodontal disease from progressing: This type of dental cleaning helps remove bacteria and plaque buildup, preventing periodontal disease from worsening and causing irreversible effects.
• Prevents tooth loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular periodontal cleaning appointments can help prevent tooth loss from occurring.
• Maintains oral health: Periodontal maintenance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and can prevent other oral health problems, such as cavities and bad breath.
• Helps detect other health problems: Our dentist may be able to detect other health problems during your periodontal cleaning appointments, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Do You Need Periodontal Disease Maintenance?

Anyone who has had gum disease in the past and has undergone periodontal therapy should keep up with regular cleanings. You may also benefit from this type of dental cleaning if you:

• Have a family history of gum disease
• Smoke
• Have diabetes
• Are pregnant and may be at a higher risk for gum disease

To schedule an appointment with our Bakersfield dentist, contact our office at 661-664-9900.

The Periodontal Maintenance Process

The periodontal maintenance process typically involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Here’s what you can expect:

• Evaluation: Our Bakersfield dentist will evaluate your gum health and determine if further treatment is needed.
• Scaling and Root Planing: If necessary, our dental hygienist will perform scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, which involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and smoothing out the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from sticking to them.
• Polishing: After scaling and root planing, our dental hygienist will polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains or plaque.
• Oral Hygiene Education: Our dental hygienist will provide oral hygiene education and tips to help you maintain good oral health at home.
• Follow-up: The dentist will schedule your next appointment for periodontal maintenance, typically three to four months later. Routine dental cleanings are key to ensuring gum disease doesn’t return. 

Periodontal Maintenance Costs

On average, periodontal maintenance can cost between $150 and $300. The cost will vary depending on your location, the experience of the dentist or periodontist, and your insurance coverage. In general, it’s more expensive than a regular teeth cleaning, but most dental insurance plans cover all or a portion of the costs. Patients should check with their insurance provider to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

Here are some tips for saving money on periodontal cleanings:

• Ask your dentist about their payment plans. Some dentists offer discounts for paying in full or for setting up a payment plan.
• Look for a dental school or clinic in your area. Dental schools often offer discounted dental care under the supervision of experienced dentists.
• Check with your insurance company to see if they offer any coverage for periodontal maintenance.
• Compare prices between different dentists in your area.

If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, don’t wait to seek treatment! Get your gum health back on track and avoid significant complications, such as tooth loss or bone health damage.

Maintaining Healthy Gums at Home

To help keep periodontal disease from recurring, our Bakersfield dentist has provided tips on how to maintain healthy gums at home:

• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day
• Use mouthwash
• Quit smoking
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Stay hydrated
• Keep up with a routine dental cleaning schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Protect Your Gum and Bone Health With Periodontal Maintenance

You should schedule a periodontal maintenance appointment if you have a history of gum disease or are at risk of developing gum disease. Our Bakersfield dentist is willing to help you get the dental care you need. Contact us today to get your appointment scheduled.