Periodontics

The importance of regular maintenance visits:

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that can never be cured, only controlled. Control of periodontal disease depends upon good, effective, and daily homecare, as well as regular profession care. Once treatment has been completed, a recommended schedule for regular cleanings (usually every three to four months) will be established. Often times these visits are alternated between the general dentist's office and the periodontal office. Innumerable studies have documented the importance of frequent and regular maintenance visits if you want to maintain your periodontal health. Protect your investment by scheduling and keeping regular periodontal maintenance visits.

The following factors can make gum disease worse by decreasing your ability to fight off infections or by decreasing the blood flow to the periodontal tissues, and by irritating your gums. Even if only one of these factors exist, it is a sign you need to be more committed to taking care of your teeth and gums. Implants can be considered to replace a single tooth. Often when the teeth on either side of the space are in good health, an implant may be the most conservative means of replacing the missing teeth because the adjacent teeth do not have to be reduced.

• Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
• A poor diet
• Pregnancy or oral contraceptives
• Systemic diseases such as Diabetes or Aids
• Medications such as steroids or chemotherapy
• Stress and anxiety