Maintaining a healthy mouth is more than just brushing and flossing every day; regular professional care is also critical to your oral health. Most people are familiar with dental cleanings and the routine professional care provided for their oral health. Fewer people, however, are familiar with periodontal maintenance and how that care may differ. Understanding the difference can help you get the right care for your oral health.
If you are searching for a dentist in Kelowna, you are likely looking for someone who not only provides great care but also feels like they are on your side. An excellent dentist will explain these treatments and help determine which one is the right fit for you and your oral health needs. Each type of dental care has a specific purpose for your teeth or gums.
What Are the Types of Dental Cleanings?
A dental cleaning, also sometimes denoted prophylaxis, is a procedure for cleaning or removing plaque, tartar and stains from the surface of your teeth. It is a preventive procedure performed for patients with healthy gums and no evidence of gum disease.
Common dental cleaning types explained include:
- Prophylaxis cleaning is a standard procedure performed during dental check-ups.
- Scaling and polishing is a procedure performed mainly to remove hardened tartar and polish the enamel surface of the tooth.
- Debridement cleaning is performed primarily for patients who present with heavy tartar buildup, before starting the standard cleaning.
A routine dental cleaning in Kelowna is performed to maintain a healthy smile, keep fresh breath and prevent the development of gum disease.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a specific cleaning for individuals who have previously received treatment for gum disease. After being treated for gum disease, it is very easy for the bacteria to return. Therefore, periodontal maintenance helps to manage those bacteria.
Periodontal maintenance reaches deeper and occurs more frequently than a cleaning that you might have received beforehand. It includes:
- Cleaning underneath the gumline to help control bacterial and tartar growth
- Measuring gum pocket depth to monitor healing
- Flushing out bacteria with antimicrobial rinses
- Checking for early signs of infection or disease regression
Gum disease can not be cured; therefore, periodontal maintenance keeps the disease from progressing and protects your gums and supporting bone.
When to Ask About Periodontal Maintenance
If you’ve had the following, you may need periodontal maintenance:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Periodontal disease treatment, like scaling and root planing
- Deep gum pockets that your dentist wants to monitor over time
- A history of recurring gum infections
If you’re not sure, your dentist can take measurements of your gums and talk to you about whether you can stay on routine cleanings or if periodontal treatment is the right choice.
Periodontal Maintenance vs Regular Cleaning
The difference between periodontal maintenance vs dental cleaning comes down to one factor: gum health.
- Routine dental cleaning – Preventive for healthy gums. This is typically recommended every six months.
- Periodontal maintenance – to manage gum disease for healthy gums that require more frequent care. Periodontal maintenance typically occurs every three to four months.
After being treated for gum disease, routine cleanings are no longer adequate to manage the harmful bacteria associated with gum disease, which is why your dentist will recommend continuing with periodontal maintenance.
Why the Difference Between Dental Cleaning vs Periodontal Maintenance Matters
If you select the incorrect maintenance for your type of gum disease, it can be detrimental to your oral health. If your gums are not treated, you will notice:
- Gum recession
- Carry more bone loss
- Looser teeth
- An overall higher risk of tooth loss
A dental clinic near you will be able to help you decide if you need routine cleanings or periodontal maintenance. Selecting the correct maintenance will be beneficial for your mouth’s health and reduce the chances of future complications.
Choosing the Right Cleaning for Your Smile
Both dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance are critical to protecting your smile, but each one has its own function based on the various factors from your past dental or oral health history. Understanding the difference between the two allows you to be an active participant in your own dental care and decisions regarding your treatment and care.
Make an appointment for your next visit today! Let the team at Acorn Dental & Implant Center help you know the best option for preserving a healthy smile through customized care.
