The frequency of visits is not determined based on a feeling, but rather pursuant to precisely determined modern guidelines. Experts have proven that regular cleaning taking place at an interval of 3-6-9 months makes it possible to prevent the occurrence or the advancement of periodontal diseases. Most people perform their cleaning in accordance with said interval; for each individual patient, however, the frequency of maintenance is precisely determined based on a special diagram taking into consideration the following factors:
- number of cigarettes smoked daily
- number of teeth missing after the age of 28, excluding wisdom teeth
- presence of systemic diseases (diabetes)
- number of teeth lost
- rate of bone loss around tooth in regard to age
- number of bleeding sites
- number of untreated dental pockets
- pregnancy and beastfeeding
- number of dental pockets above 3mm
1. Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a regular tooth cleaning that is performed to prevent disease. This type of cleaning is indicated when the gums and bone around the teeth are considered healthy or are in the reversible, initial stages of gum disease. A dental prophylaxis is typically performed every six months.
2. Full Mouth Debridement
A full mouth debridement is a type of cleaning that involves the general disinfection of the teeth and gums. This disinfection is performed when there is evidence of initial stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, and presence of heavy bacterial plaque and/or tartar build-up. This sometimes requires numbing for the patient’s comfort. The purpose of a full mouth debridement is to reverse gingivitis and prevent progression to bone loss and periodontal disease. This type of cleaning is typically followed up with a regular tooth cleaning, or dental prophylaxis.
3. Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep type of cleaning that is indicated when there is heavy tartar build-up and active bacterial infection of the gum and bone surrounding the teeth, called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is typically diagnosed based on the measurements of deeper gum pockets around the teeth, x-rays confirming bone loss, and presence of bleeding. This type of cleaning usually requires numbing of the gums and the use of special instruments to manually remove infection and tartar.This type of cleaning requires a 4-6 week follow-up appointment to confirm whether the disease is still active or has gone into remission. If the initial treatment was successful, the patient will be seen in 3, 4, or 6 month intervals for maintenance to keep the disease in remission. If unsuccessful, a referral to a periodontist, or gum and bone specialist, may be necessary.
4. Periodontal Maintenance
After being diagnosed with periodontal disease and having an initial Scaling and Root Planing procedure, individuals are placed on a periodontal maintenance cleaning schedule to help keep the disease in remission. Periodontal maintenance is typically performed in 3, 4, or 6 month intervals based on the individual’s needs.