Periodontal Maintenance

After Dr. Oakley has completed the active phase of periodontal treatment, your periodontal disease will be stabilized and controlled. Dr. Oakley will provide you with an individualized therapy program to keep your gums looking and feeling healthy. To prevent periodontal disease (the leading cause of tooth loss in adults) and keep your natural teeth for a lifetime--carefully and habitually follow the program that Dr. Oakley recommends. You will be able to chew with more comfort, you will be able to smile and speak with more confidence, you will be able to minimize spending on dental care by preventing future problems. Your commitment to periodontal maintenance therapy is your commitment to a better quality of life.

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Bacterial plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. The bacteria release toxins which constantly attack your gums and teeth. When it is not removed it hardens into tartar. No matter how well you clean your teeth and gums, bacterial plaque will find those hard to reach, inaccessible crevices. It will hide in these places and can cause a recurrence of gum disease from two to four months after your last professional cleaning. Therefore, a dental professional must identify problem areas and remove the hardened plaque at time intervals appropriate for you so that your gums and teeth stay healthy.

Periodontal Maintenance Therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent progression of disease in the gum tissues and bone which support your teeth. It is vitally important for you to adhere to a program of meticulous home oral care and regularly scheduled maintenance therapy visits with your dentist and Dr. Oakley. This will give you an excellent chance of keeping your teeth for the rest of your life.

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

You, your general dentist, and Dr. Oakley will work out the most effective schedule for your Periodontal Maintenance Therapy. Your visits may include:

• Updating your medical history

• Oral cancer screening

• Measurements of your gum tissues

• Oral hygiene assessment and instruction

• X-ray diagnostics to evaluate your teeth and the bone supporting them

• Examination of your bite and teeth for decay or other problems

• Removal of bacterial plaque and tartar

• Application of medications to reduce tooth sensitivity or periodontal disease recurrence

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SHOULD I CONTINUE TO SEE MY DENTIST FOR CHECKUPS?

Yes. Dr. Oakley and your dentist work together to provide you with the best possible care. They keep eachother informed about your progress and work together to develop the best maintenance plan for you. Dr. Oakley will see you for periodontal maintenance therapy.  These visits do not replace regular dental checkups. If Dr. Oakley detects a problem unrelated to gum disease, he will refer you to your general dentist for treatment. Your general dentist is primarily responsible for your overall dental health and will treat problems such as cavities, bite problems, lost caps, broken teeth, missing teeth, and more.