Maintenance: Why is it necessary?

Much like your car or computer, gums and teeth require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. This includes natural teeth as well as prosthetic implant teeth.

Axelsson and co-workers showed that tooth loss is not a frequent event when patients receive proper maintenance and are in a structured maintenance program.

Maintenance visits to the hygienist, the dentist and the periodontist are complementary in nature. Each clinician has a different focus and different set of responsibilities. 

Your general dentist or family dentist focuses on the structural integrity of your teeth and implant prosthetics and co-ordinates your overall oral health (the big picture). You should attend regular check ups with your dentist in tandem with your periodontal or hygiene care. Your hygienist will not be able to comprehensively assess teeth for tooth decay, cracks or other dental problems. Only the dentist is qualified to do so. The dentist also assesses the condition of your dental implant prosthesis if you had dental implant treatment.

A dedicated visit with your hygienist for detailed tooth surface cleaning and oral hygiene instruction ensures a conducive environment for understanding and retaining important lifestyle advice.

Your hygienist provides practical advice for daily homecare. She uses a step by step coaching method to improve your toothbrushing techniques.

Your periodontist sets the direction for periodontal maintenance care for the next 12-24months. 

Remember that effective daily toothbrushing is also a form of daily maintenance.

Simple maintenance can help retain teeth and implants. Protect your crowns and bridges by scheduling your appointments today.

~ Helping you retain your teeth ~

~~~ Restoring smile ~~~

~ Eat well ~