Periodontal disease is a widespread issue that impacts nearly 50% of adults in the United States. As a prevalent oral health problem, dentists often specialize in periodontics, or the treatment of the gums and other structures that support teeth. If you’re concerned about gum disease and how it’s treated, here’s some helpful information on the contrast between a routine teeth cleaning and periodontal maintenance. 

What Does a Routine Dental Cleaning Entail?

The goal of a regular dental cleaning is to maintain the health and beauty of your smile. For patients that don’t have any signs of periodontal disease or tooth decay, the dentist will use dental instruments and a professional-grade toothbrush to remove plaque, tartar, and stains on the surface of your teeth and above the gum line. This treatment should be performed at least twice a year to maintain your oral health and reduce the need for restorative dentistry in the future.  

What’s the Focus of Periodontal Disease Treatment?

If your dentist determines you have periodontal disease, you’ll need an additional level of treatment to curb symptoms and ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. Thus, periodontal disease treatment will include the cleaning process noted above; however, the appointment will also focus on determining how quickly bacteria accumulates around your gum line. Knowing this information will help your periodontics team gauge how often you need maintenance. Some patients schedule periodontal disease treatments as frequently as every three months.

Beyond cleaning the surface of your teeth, these treatments will include a deep clean below the gum line to flush out any bacteria or food debris that’s been caught in the deep pockets periodontal disease can cause around your teeth. These cleaning techniques are known as scaling and root planing, and they target the tooth root in addition to the tooth and gum surface.

If you’re looking for a trustworthy dentist that can handle general oral care as well as periodontal disease, Lake Country Dental Care in Milledgeville, GA, is the ideal resource. Their lead dentist, Dr. Michael D. Lefkove, has more than 40 years of experience in the field and provides the ideal combination of modern, innovative care and friendly bedside manner to reduce anxiety. Call today at (478) 452-3768 to schedule an appointment and visit their website for more information on their expertise in periodontics.