Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can wreak havoc on your oral health. The good news is that with proper and timely treatment, this condition can be reversed or maintained for minimal symptoms or further damage.
With Periodontal Maintenance in San Diego, CA, patients can see improvement in their overall oral health and get back to daily living without the pain or discomfort of inflamed gums. Led by Dr. Richard Feinberg, the team at San Diego Dental Center is highly experienced, qualified, and prepared to help you start your journey to gum health.
Unlike a standard dental cleaning, periodontal maintenance is specialized, ongoing therapy that targets areas of the mouth that are more vulnerable to bacteria and inflammation, helping to prevent the recurrence of gum disease and maintain long-term oral health. This treatment is designed to protect and preserve the health of your gums after you've been diagnosed with or otherwise treated for periodontal or gum disease.
Utilizing advanced tools and techniques, periodontal maintenance is tailored to each patient's specific needs and is typically performed every three to four months, depending on the health status of the gums. There are multiple components that are usually considered to be part of periodontal maintenance.
Professional teeth cleaning is a vital component of periodontal maintenance. This procedure focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the visible areas of the teeth and just below the gumline, as well as cavity prevention. Regular professional cleanings help maintain overall oral health and are especially important for patients with a history of gum disease.
Dental scaling and root planing are often the first steps in periodontal treatment and play a crucial role in periodontal maintenance for patients with deeper gum pockets.
Scaling removes hardened plaque or calculus from above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths the root surfaces to discourage future bacterial buildup and encourage reattachment of the gums to the teeth. This deep cleaning is essential for managing chronic gum disease and preventing further damage to the gums and bone structures.
By proactively managing gum disease, this treatment can prevent complications like tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and even systemic health issues linked to inflammation. Our San Diego periodontal maintenance patients can experience benefits like:
Ideal candidates for periodontal maintenance are patients who have been previously treated for gum disease and want to preserve their gum health and general oral health. This treatment is especially important for individuals with a history of periodontitis, as well as those at increased risk due to smoking, diabetes, or compromised immune systems.
Periodontal maintenance can manage oral health concerns, including:
During your initial consultation, our team will review your dental history, assess your gum health, and make a recommendation for how often you should undergo periodontal maintenance for optimal gum health. Digital X-rays may be taken, or pocket depth measurements might be performed to evaluate the current condition of your gums.
To prepare for treatment, patients should maintain good oral hygiene at home and be sure to discuss any changes in health or medication that could affect gum tissue response or healing.
A periodontal maintenance appointment typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Depending on your needs, a local numbing agent may be applied for comfort, particularly if deeper cleaning is necessary. Your provider will use specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar near the gumline, followed by polishing the teeth for a smooth, clean finish.
Following treatment, patients often notice an immediate improvement in how clean their mouth feels, along with fresher breath. There is no downtime, and most patients return to normal activities immediately, but mild sensitivity or gum tenderness may occur, which generally subsides within a day or two.
At San Diego Dental Center, our dedicated team of professionals is passionate about delivering exceptional care and outstanding results to every patient we serve.
Under the leadership of Dr. Richard Feinberg, an esteemed member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and several other respected professional organizations, we strive to make oral health simple and elevate patient confidence. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Feinberg is dedicated to providing advanced, personalized dental treatments to every patient, no matter the level of care needed.
Get on top of your oral health and book your consultation with our expert dental team today by calling (619) 462-8550. We can also be reached anytime online by using our easy consultation form or by chatting with us through our website.
Treatments for periodontal maintenance are typically not painful, but some patients could experience soreness afterward, especially if the gums are inflamed.
In most cases, periodontal maintenance is necessary to manage gum disease and prevent further progression.
While there is no specific downtime requirement after treatment, patients might feel some sensitivity to hot, cold, or particularly sweet foods and drinks and may have to slightly modify their diet for a few days.
The cost of periodontal maintenance will vary depending on the overall treatment needed and the specific treatment plan for the patient.
Yes, in most cases, periodontal maintenance is covered by insurance, but it's important to check with your provider for specific coverage information.
The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment.
Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
Call us Today (619) 462-8550
San Diego Dental Center proudly serves patients from La Mesa, La Jolla, El Cajon & the entire San Diego, CA area.
Office Hours
Monday: 9am - 4pm
Tuesday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 2pm
