We recommend most patients get their teeth cleaned at least every 6 months. When patients get off this cycle or miss a few cleanings, the plaque builds up and hardens around the teeth below the gums. This initially results in gingivitis or inflamed gums. If gingivitis goes untreated, it leads to periodontitis or bone lossBone loss becomes a serious condition because it is that important bone that holds the teeth in place.
How do I prevent bone loss?
To clean below the gums a technique called root planing and scaling is used. It consists of cleaning the tartar and plaque off of the tooth root and smoothing the tooth root to prevent it from adhering in the future. This process oftentimes requires the teeth to be numbed.
Oral Medications
This treatment is usually followed up with medications that help your body remove any remaining bacteria. Arestin is an antibacterial usually placed in those pockets where the most bone loss exists. Peridex is a mouth rinse often prescribed for after initial treatment for maintenance
