Periodontal Maintenance

At Lee Dental, we work with a highly skilled team of periodontists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. We recommend scheduling routine teeth cleanings every 6 months, but if you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, we’ll need to begin regular periodontal maintenance therapy which occurs every three months.

The first steps in treating periodontal disease are scaling and root planing (SRP) to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria. This process involves cleaning the areas above the gum, and removing calculus and bacteria from the gum pockets and beneath the gum line. Root planing cleans the tooth root to eliminate any remaining bacteria. Following treatment, an antibiotic or antimicrobial cream may be applied to your gums to promote fast healing and ease discomfort. With regular x-rays and examinations we can track the extent of bone and gum recession and identify future problem areas.

While there is no cure for periodontal disease, it can be managed and controlled with regular treatment. Research shows the harmful bacteria that cause periodontal disease re-establish every 90 days which is why three month maintenance visits are a requirement for successful therapy. Waiting longer than three months can result in advanced inflammation and require anesthesia to eliminate discomfort during treatment. We want your experience to be as simple and pain-free as possible, so talk to us today and we’ll work together to implement a customized treatment plan.

Symptoms of Gum Disease:

• Red or swollen gums
• Tenderness or bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Pain when chewing
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Overly sensitive teeth
• Receding gums