If you have ever wondered about the difference between a regular cleaning and periodontal maintenance, you're not alone, and we are here to answer your question. Before diving into treatment options, it helps to understand the difference between regular cleaning vs. periodontal maintenance. If you are looking for a trusted dentist in Dillon, CO, we are here to help make sure your treatment is the right one.
The Differences: Prophylaxis vs. Periodontal Maintenance
Prophylaxis — Better known as a regular cleaning, is a preventive treatment designed for you, even when you have healthy gums or mild gingivitis. During your regular cleaning, we remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from around your gumline to help prevent cavities and gum disease. We highly recommend seeing us every 6 months for your dental cleaning to stay on track with healthy oral care.
Periodontal Maintenance — A therapeutic treatment if you have previously been treated for periodontal diseases (gum disease). Unlike a regular cleaning, periodontal maintenance targets the bacteria and tartar above and below the gum line to help manage the effects of the chronic condition. We also monitor your gum health every visit and help reduce the risk of further bone or tissue loss, because harmful bacteria can return quickly to your gums. We highly recommend coming in for a cleaning every 3 to 4 months.
Coming to us for your periodontal maintenance is very important because, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), periodontal maintenance (CDT code D4910) is intended if you have completed active periodontal therapy. The ADA distinguishes this treatment from a preventive cleaning because it helps manage the long-term effects of the disease. Once gum disease has resulted in bone loss, ongoing treatment may be recommended to help support the health of your teeth and surrounding tissue over time.
Why the Difference Matters
One of the biggest differences between a regular cleaning and periodontal maintenance is the treatment focus. A regular cleaning is more of a surface clean, while periodontal maintenance goes deeper, cleaning below the gum line where harmful bacteria can collect in periodontal pockets. Gum disease can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth, creating deeper pockets that require more help from us. We recommend that you continue with periodontal maintenance cleanings once you have been diagnosed and do not return to regular cleanings.
Managing a Chronic Condition
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires you and us to regularly monitor your oral health to keep it under control. During your periodic maintenance visit, we use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. These measurements help us assess the health of the supporting tissues, and from there, we can identify any changes that could need additional help. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) explains that monitoring pocket depth is an important part of managing gum diseases and protecting the bone that supports your teeth. This is why we suggest coming back to see us every 3 to 4 months so we can keep a close eye on your gum health.
Come In For Your Recommended Cleaning
If you are wondering which cleaning could be a better treatment option for you, make an appointment with us at Summet Dental Group, Dillon, CO. We want to make sure that your oral health is maintained and monitored. By coming to us, we can help make that happen, whether you are interested in a regular cleaning or periodontal maintenance.