Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
After Drs. Ronny and Jennifer Taschner have completed the active phase of periodontal treatment, your periodontal disease should be under control. You will be provided with a personalized maintenance program of care to keep your gums healthy.
Periodontal maintenance therapy (also called supportive periodontal therapy or SPT) is an ongoing program designed to prevent disease in the gum tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Adherence to a program of conscientious home oral care and regularly scheduled periodontal maintenance therapy visits with Drs. Ronny and Jennifer Taschner and your dentist will give you an excellent chance of keeping your teeth for your lifetime.
Why is periodontal Maintenance therapy important?
As you have learned, you are susceptible to gum disease. And, you have probably learned, too, that the main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque. The bacteria in this plaque produce toxins, or poisons, which constantly attack your gums and teeth. Unless plaque is removed, it hardens into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Daily brushing and flossing will help to minimize the formation of calculus, but it won’t completely prevent it. No matter how careful you are in cleaning your teeth and gums, bacterial plaque can cause a recurrence of gum disease from two to four months after your last professional cleaning. Therefore, a dental professional must check for hidden problems and remove the hardened plaque (calculus) at time intervals appropriate for you so that your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Who should perform periodontal Maintenance therapy?
The answer depends on you and the severity of your gum disease before treatment. After active periodontal treatment has been completed, your general dentist and Drs. Ronny and Jennifer Taschner will work out the most effective schedule for your supportive periodontal care.
Your maintenance/supportive periodontal care visit may include:
- discussion of any changes in your health history
- examination of your mouth tissues for abnormal changes
- measurement of the depth of pockets around your teeth
- assessment of your oral hygiene habits and provision of instruction
- removal of bacterial plaque and tartar
- x-ray film studies if needed to evaluate your teeth and the bone supporting your teeth
- examination of your teeth for decay and other dental problems
- checkup on the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- prescription of medications to reduce tooth sensitivity or other problems you may have.
How often should you have supportive periodontal care visits?
For most patients, maintenance visits every three months alternating between our office and your general dental office is sufficient to maintain periodontal health. Your periodontal condition is the deciding factor. The interval between your supportive periodontal care (spc) visits might be as often as frequent as every two months or as little as every six months. The frequency of your supportive care visits will be influenced by:
- the type of periodontal disease you have
- the type of periodontal treatment you have
- your response to treatment
- your rate of plaque growth
- your personal commitment to good oral care at home.
What is the relationship between your dentist and Dr. Ronny Taschner and Dr. Jennifer Taschner?
Your dentist and Drs. Ronny and Jennifer Taschner work together as a team to provide you with the best possible care. They combine their experience to formulate the best maintenance plan for you. They keep each other informed about your progress. Although Drs. Ronny or Jennifer Taschner may see you periodically for maintenance therapy, you will need to see your general dentist as well. Appointments for periodontal maintenance do not replace regular dental checkups. If Drs. Ronny or Jennifer Taschner detect tooth decay during a maintenance visit, you will be referred to your general dentist for treatment. Your general dentist is primarily responsible for your overall dental health, including such dental needs as filling new or recurrent cavities or making changes in fillings, crowns or bridges.
To prevent periodontal disease, the major cause of tooth loss in adults—and keep your natural teeth for your lifetime—carefully and conscientiously follow the guidelines of the maintenance program that has been recommended for you. Protecting your periodontal health through preventive maintenance has great benefits for you. You will be able to chew with more comfort, and you will be able to smile and speak with greater confidence. You will be able to keep dental costs down by preventing future problems. Your commitment to maintenance therapy is your commitment to your better oral health.
