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Dental FAQs from Harte Dental in Milton, MA
We are happy to answer questions about our services and procedures.
These are a selection of some common questions that patients have. If your question isn't answered here, please contact our office. It's important to us that our patients understand their dental care.
Periodontal Disease Prevention and Treatment
Coming in for regular cleanings with one of our excellent dental hygienists will help keep your gums in great shape, but what you do at home matters as well. Brush twice daily and floss every evening. Our hygienists will be happy to show you good brushing and flossing technique.
Other steps you can take to prevent gum disease include:
- Don't smoke or chew tobacco
- Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash. We'll be happy to recommend one.
- If you have a health condition that can affect your dental health such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, please let us know so that we can take extra steps to help keep your gums healthy.
Yes! Harte Dental provides periodontal maintenance.
A periodontal maintenance visit is a specialized cleaning appointment for people who have been diagnosed with gum disease (periodontitis) and have already completed treatment such as scaling and root planing ("deep cleaning" or SCRP) or other periodontal therapy.
It takes about the same amount of time as a regular cleaning!
Unlike a routine cleaning, periodontal maintenance focuses on preventing gum disease from returning.
Typical steps include:
Periodontal measurements
Measure gum pocket depths around teeth.
Check for bleeding, inflammation, gum recession, and mobility.
Removal of plaque and tartar
Clean both above and below the gumline.
Remove bacterial deposits from periodontal pockets where disease can recur.
Polishing and stain removal
Polish teeth when appropriate to remove surface stains and plaque.
Periodontal maintenance helps:
Prevent gum disease from becoming active again.
Reduce the risk of further bone loss.
Control inflammation and bleeding.
Remove bacteria from areas that are difficult to clean at home.
A regular dental cleaning, also called a prophylaxis, is preventive care for patients with generally healthy gums. It removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the teeth and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Periodontal maintenance is designed for patients who have been treated for periodontal (gum) disease, often after a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). These visits focus on controlling gum disease by carefully cleaning above and below the gumline and monitoring areas where periodontal pockets and bone loss may be present.
Periodontal maintenance is typically recommended more frequently than a regular cleaning—often every 3 to 4 months, depending on your individual needs.
At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, our dentists and dental hygienists evaluate your gums and recommend the type and frequency of cleaning that will best protect your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.