Call us today to schedule an appointment: 541-388-1434

Recession

Bone loss and recession

Periodontal Maintenance

During visits with a hygienist for periodontal maintenance, scaling, root planing and polishing are performed. The hygienist will evaluate the success of at-home maintenance and make any necessary suggestions for improvement. Appointment intervals for periodontal maintenance are usually every three – four months. It is also vital to maintain oral health by having a dental checkup every six months to remove any existing decay, replace worn or loose fillings, and to replace extracted teeth with removable appliances, fixed bridgework or dental implants.

Things to keep in mind…

While plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) says that other factors are thought to increase the risk, severity and speed of gum disease development. These can include:

• Tobacco use — one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. People who smoke are seven times more likely to get periodontitis than nonsmokers, and smoking can lower the chances of success of treatment.
• Hormonal changes — may make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Stress — may make it difficult for the body’s immune system to fight off infection.
• Medications — can affect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums.
• Poor nutrition — may make it difficult for the immune system to fight off infection, especially if the diet is low in important nutrients. Additionally, the bacteria that cause periodontal disease thrive in acidic environments. Eating sugars and other foods that increase the acidity in the mouth increases bacterial counts.
• Illnesses — may affect the condition of your gums. This includes diseases such as cancer or AIDS that interfere with the immune system, as well as diabetes and heart disease.
• Clenching and grinding teeth — may put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these tissues are destroyed.

Did you know…

Americans are less and less likely to visit the dentist as they age? Data from the Centers for Disease Control reports that only 64.3% percent of Americans over age 65 visited the dentist in 2016. That compares to about 64.4 percent adults under age 65 and about 84.6 percent of children ages 2 to 17. Nonetheless, it is important to visit a Bend Oregon dentist for cleanings and exams regardless of how long has passed since your most recent dental appointment.