Periodontal Therapy

If you have been diagnosed with and treated for periodontal (gum) disease, regularly scheduled supportive therapy is vitally important to your success in managing the disease’s progression. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, “following a course of active periodontal treatment and periodic ongoing care at regularly prescribed intervals is essential. Because periodontal disease or infection can recur, continuous maintenance is absolutely necessary to prevent this periodontal infection from becoming active once again and from destroying what healing has occurred.

The following treatment is included in your periodontal maintenance appointment:

• Evaluation of oral health to detect subtle signs of disease recurrence
• Appropriate debridement of teeth and gums (professional cleaning and polishing)
• Antimicrobial therapy to destroy difficult to reach bacteria, as deemed necessary by the doctor
• Evaluation of home-care regimes and aids
• Oral health evaluation, including oral cancer screening, necessary dental films, and decay detection
• Recommendations based on individual needs as a result of your medical and dental histories review

Scientific studies support the belief of experts that the most important aspect of periodontal treatment is the long-term maintenance therapy. Individuals vary in their response to periodontal disease, and resistance to the disease varies at different times of life. When periodontal disease recurs following treatment, it may do so without signs or symptoms to the patient. Dr. Bradley and her team of periodontal therapists are well trained in recognizing the very subtle signs that may signal detrimental changes. Ask Dr. Bradley and your hygienist what interval of care would be in your best interest for achieving lifelong oral health.