Nov 24, 2024

Periodontal Maintenance vs. Cleaning: Which One Do I Need?

Regular cleanings and periodontal maintenance are two important dental cleaning methods to protect oral and overall health. These don’t only keep your teeth clean they also prevent bigger health problems.

What’s the difference between these cleanings? When do you need each one? In this article, we will explore these two. Understanding the distinction between regular dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance helps you make informed decisions with your dentist.

Did you know that the health of your teeth and gums is connected to your overall well-being? A research finding by the American Dental Association revealed that poor oral hygiene has been associated with several health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Good oral hygiene therefore is important for your overall well-being. Healthy teeth and gums lessen the chance of allowing harmful bacteria that may harm the body.

What is Regular Dental Cleaning?

Regular dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a preventive dental care procedure designed for people who do not have periodontal disease. It aims to maintain healthy teeth and gums by preventing the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar.

Dentists recommend regular cleanings once or twice a year as part of routine oral health maintenance. Here is a summary of what happens during a regular dental cleaning:

The cleaning starts with an exam. Your dentist or hygienist checks for any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other abnormalities.
Your dentist removes plaque and tartar buildup above the gum line (teeth scaling) with the use of specialized tools.
After scaling, your teeth are polished with toothpaste and a special tool.

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What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized type of deep cleaning designed for individuals with periodontal disease or those at high risk of developing it. Dentists recommend periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months. This frequent care is crucial for maintaining gum health to manage and prevent disease progression.

Here is a detailed look at the process:

Hygienists clean deep below the gum line. They remove plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth roots. Roots are also smoothed to make it harder for bacteria to attach and thrive.
The hygienist checks the pockets around your teeth for signs of infection or inflammation. This helps track disease progression and guide treatment.
Gum pockets are flushed with an antiseptic solution to control bacteria and inflammation. This helps reduce the risk of infection and promotes healing.

Periodontal maintenance is essential for people managing gum disease. It helps you maintain good oral health and prevent further damage to your gums, teeth, and bone.

Key Differences Between Regular Cleaning and Periodontal Maintenance

	Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)	Periodontal Maintenance
Purpose	Preventive care for maintaining oral health.	Treatment for managing gum disease.
Frequency	1-2 times per year.	Every 3-4 months, as recommended by the dentist.
Procedure Depth	Focuses on cleaning above the gum line.	Includes deep cleaning below the gum line and smoothing tooth roots.
Health Condition	For individuals with healthy gums.	For those with periodontal disease or at high risk of gum problems.

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Both are types of cleanings, but they have different goals based on your gum health. Regular cleanings help keep teeth and gums healthy, while periodontal maintenance treats and controls gum disease.

Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage

Dental insurance coverage for cleanings and periodontal maintenance varies significantly. Regular cleanings are often fully covered by most insurance plans, typically as part of routine preventive care. Periodontal maintenance, on the other hand, is usually classified as a specialized treatment. This means it may only be partially covered.

Since dental insurance plans differ, it is essential to review your specific benefits. Some plans may cover more frequent cleanings, while others may require a higher share of the expense to be paid.

While periodontal maintenance can have higher upfront costs compared to regular cleanings, it is an investment in your health. It can prevent more expensive procedures down the road.

Consider dental membership plans if your insurance does not fully cover these procedures. No insurance? Be a member and start saving today. We make care more affordable without the need for traditional insurance.

Importance of Consistency in Oral Hygiene and Preventive Care

Regular dental cleanings play a vital role in preventing minor plaque buildup from turning into serious gum problems like periodontal disease. However, skipping visits allows plaque to build up, increasing your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues.

If you already have gum disease and require periodontal maintenance, staying consistent with these appointments is even more important. Missing sessions can allow the disease to progress, leading to more severe issues and costly treatments.

Whether your dentist advises regular cleanings or periodontal maintenance stick to the recommended schedule. It is the best way to protect your oral and overall health.