Periodontal maintenance is just one of the services offered by Yerba Buena Dentistry in San Francisco, California.

 

Periodontitis

 

Periodontitis, also referred to as periodontal disease is an infection of the gum, which can cause severe damage to your teeth if left untreated. 

 

Over time periodontal diseases can destroy the support system of a tooth, by gradually causing the gum and bone that hold the tooth in place to deteriorate. This can eventually lead to teeth being lost as a result of the disease. 

 

What Causes Periodontal Diseases?

 

Periodontal diseases are caused by bacteria in plaque. The bacteria irritate the gum, which then leads to the gum separating itself from the tooth; this causes periodontal pockets to form.

 

There are several factors that can contribute to an increased risk of periodontal disease forming. Poor oral hygiene is a significant risk factor for periodontitis, as plaque and the bacteria that it causes are more prevalent. Ensuring that you have a strong at-home dental routine in place can help to minimize the risk of periodontal disease developing. Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing each day could help to prevent the disease from forming.

 

Lifestyle factors such as eating a poor diet and smoking can also increase the risk of periodontal disease forming.

 

If you suspect that you have periodontal disease, then it is crucial that you see a dentist to get a diagnosis. Once you have a diagnosis, you can start periodontal maintenance treatment to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

 

What is Periodontal Maintenance?

 

Patients with periodontal disease require regular appointments to help prevent the disease from progressing further and causing more damage. If you need periodontal maintenance in San Rafael, California, Yerba Buena Dentistry can help. 

 

Periodontal maintenance is a type of deep cleaning method designed specifically for patients with periodontal disease. Periodontal maintenance deep cleaning differs from regular deep cleaning of the teeth. In periodontal maintenance, the area below the gum line is cleaned, and root planing is used to clean and shape the roots of the teeth. The treatment works to both remove the existing build-up of plaque, bacteria, and other debris and also helps to prevent the future accumulation of plaque and debris. The aim of periodontal maintenance is to slow down the progression of the disease.

 

How Often is Periodontal Maintenance Needed?

 

A diagnosis of periodontal disease should never be ignored. To prevent the disease from causing further damage to your teeth and gums, you will need to schedule regular periodontal maintenance appointments with your dentist. 

 

It is recommended that periodontal maintenance is performed every three months. Dr Zhu and the team at Yerba Buena Dentistry will be able to discuss treatment options that best suit your needs for periodontal maintenance in San Rafael, California.

 

If you would like to schedule an appointment for periodontal maintenance in San Francisco, California, Yerba Buena Dentistry will be happy to help. Call the friendly team today for further information and to schedule your appointment.