Periodontal Maintenance in Glendale, AZ
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth. Plaque and tartar buildup are primary contributors, but factors such as genetics, smoking or tobacco use, diabetes, certain medications, hormonal changes, and other health conditions may increase a person’s risk.
Gum disease often begins as gingivitis, which can cause red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. At this early stage, professional dental care and consistent brushing and flossing may reverse the inflammation. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease.
As periodontitis develops, the gums can pull away from the teeth and form deeper spaces called periodontal pockets. Bacteria, plaque, and tartar can collect below the gumline, where ordinary brushing and flossing cannot reach them. Over time, the infection may damage the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, develops when bacteria in dental plaque trigger inflammation in the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Inadequate brushing and flossing can increase the risk, but gum disease may also develop because of genetics, health conditions, medications, tobacco use, and other factors.
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms naturally on the teeth throughout the day. Daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth help remove it. When plaque remains on the teeth, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar cannot be removed with an ordinary toothbrush or dental floss and requires professional dental instruments.
In its earliest stage, called gingivitis, gum disease may cause redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding when brushing and flossing. If the inflammation progresses to periodontitis, the gum tissue may separate from the teeth and form periodontal pockets. These spaces can collect bacteria and tartar below the gumline, eventually damaging the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place.
Without treatment, periodontal disease may contribute to:
Receding gums
Persistent bad breath
Sensitive teeth
Painful chewing
Pus or drainage near the gums
Loose or shifting teeth
Changes in the bite
Tooth loss
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use are among the most significant risk factors for gum disease and can make periodontal treatment less successful. Additional risk factors include diabetes, dry mouth, certain medications, hormonal changes, genetics, stress, and conditions that affect the immune system.
Because gum disease can progress without causing significant pain, regular dental and periodontal evaluations are important. Early diagnosis gives Dr. Fineberg an opportunity to recommend treatment before additional damage occurs.
Prevention and Periodontal Maintenance
Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease and identifying inflammation in its earliest stages. During an examination, Dr. Fineberg evaluates the color, firmness, and position of the gums and looks for bleeding, recession, or other signs of periodontal disease.
A small instrument called a periodontal probe may be used to measure the spaces between the teeth and gums. Healthy gums generally fit closely around the teeth. Deeper measurements may indicate periodontal pockets, which can collect bacteria, plaque, and tartar below the gumline.
Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth can significantly reduce plaque buildup and the risk of gum disease. Avoiding smoking and tobacco, eating a balanced diet, managing health conditions such as diabetes, and attending regular dental appointments also support healthier gums.
Even with careful home care, plaque may remain in areas that are difficult to reach. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed during a professional cleaning.
For patients who have already received treatment for periodontitis, periodontal maintenance helps control the disease and reduce the risk of further damage. These visits are usually scheduled more frequently than routine cleanings and include removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, measuring periodontal pockets, and monitoring the health of the gums and supporting bone.
What’s the difference between Dental Cleaning & Periodontal Maintenance?
A routine dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis, is preventive care for patients who do not have active periodontal disease or a history of significant gum and bone loss. During a routine dental cleaning in Glendale, plaque, tartar, and surface stains are removed from the teeth above and slightly below the gumline. The visit may also include an examination of the teeth and gums, polishing, preventive recommendations, and an evaluation for early signs of cavities or gum disease. Many patients benefit from cleanings every six months, although Dr. Fineberg may recommend a different schedule based on oral health, medical history, and individual risk factors.
Periodontal maintenance is designed for patients who have been treated for periodontitis, often following scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery. Because periodontal disease can damage the gums, supporting tissues, and bone surrounding the teeth, these visits require more extensive monitoring and cleaning than routine preventive appointments. Periodontal maintenance may include measuring gum pockets, checking for bleeding or inflammation, evaluating areas of recession, and removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Scaling or root surface treatment may also be performed where needed.
Periodontal maintenance appointments are often recommended more frequently than routine cleanings because harmful bacteria can return and contribute to further gum and bone damage. The appropriate schedule depends on the severity of the disease, how well it is controlled, tobacco use, home-care habits, medical conditions, and other risk factors. Dr. Fineberg will evaluate your periodontal health and recommend the type of dental cleaning and appointment frequency that best supports your smile.
If you have bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or a history of periodontal treatment, schedule an evaluation at our Glendale dental office. Dr. Fineberg can determine whether you need a routine dental cleaning, periodontal maintenance, or additional gum disease treatment.