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Periodontal Maintenance

If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease and have undergone scaling and root planing for treatment, periodontal maintenance takes the place of typical dental cleanings (prophylaxis) in your dental care routine. 

What does periodontal maintenance do?

During periodontal maintenance, all plaque and tartar is removed from above and below the gum line, all the way down the length of each tooth to where the root, gum, and bone meet. If necessary, rough areas of exposed roots are smoothed, the depth of your gum pockets are monitored, and inflamed pockets may be irrigated with antibacterial medicines if necessary.

How does periodontal maintenance differ from a regular teeth cleaning (prophylaxis)? 

While prophylaxis just addresses the dental crown (the portion of your tooth above the gum line) of your teeth during cleanings, periodontal maintenance also cares for your roots, gums, and bone. Periodontal maintenance can be thought of as cleaning and maintenance for the tissues affected by your periodontal disease. 

When would I need periodontal maintenance?

If you’ve had periodontal surgery or your periodontal disease has resulted in bleeding gums, gum “pockets” deeper than four millimeters, bone loss, or exposed root surfaces, a regular cleaning is not the right fit. Instead, periodontal maintenance scaling is needed to maintain gum and bone health.

How often should I visit Greenwood Dental Smiles for periodontal maintenance?

The frequency of periodontal maintenance depends on each individual. Based on your condition and progress, our dentists and team will determine the best treatment plan for you. The procedure is usually performed three or four times each year, depending on how quickly plaque and tartar accumulate, how much bleeding or inflammation you’re experiencing, how stable the condition is, how well you maintain hygiene at home, and any additional health risks you may have.

What do you use to treat deep pocketing?

Our office uses the topical antibiotic Arestin®” in patients experiencing deep pocketing. This medication will help to decrease the bacteria that can become lodged in the deep pockets associated with gum disease.

Take the first step towards a healthy and radiant smile today! 

Schedule an appointment with Greenwood Dental Smiles - your trusted and experienced dentist in Greenwood. Don't wait any longer. Let us help you achieve the perfect smile you deserve!

Or call — 317-885-7760

Patient Testimonials

"This was my first visit with Greenwood Dental Smiles. They were friendly from the moment I walked in the door to the moment I left. Such a great office! Happy people who seem to love their job. Even got a nice coffee mug to use! Definitely will be going back!"

Christy Hill

"My daughter and I have been going here for a few years now. We absolutely love Greenwood Dental Smiles. Not only are they professional but they are caring which means a lot to me and my family. They always take their time and listen to any concerns or questions we may have. I also love the fact that they are very personal and make you feel as if you really matter to them and that you’re not just a patient."

Carol Nixon

"I'm very pleased with Greenwood Dental Smiles, and I highly recommend. Everyone is very experienced and have great communication skills. Dr Jillian Samela is top notch, with excellent hygienist and a professional staff."

Chuck Cowell

"Greenwood Dental Smiles made my first visit to the dentist in 10+ years as painless as possible. The staff is super friendly, and you can feel the support and love between the team during your visit. Highly recommend! And my next visit was just as wonderful. They are truly consistent with their experiences! Love my dentist "

Kelsi Faletic

"Amazing team! I really can't say enough about Greenwood Dental Smiles and their entire staff. They're always super friendly and do phenomenal work. Due to my refusal to floss regularly I’ve given them a few small “projects” over the years beyond just routine cleanings. I’m totally petrified of shots/needles but they’re some of the best in the business at guiding me through it those scenarios. If you’re looking to get some work done or just schedule cleanings, look no further. I would never go anywhere else; in fact maybe I’ll continue not flossing just so I can come back more frequently :-D"

Tom Leeper

"So glad I chose Greenwood Dental Smiles, everyone was so friendly and professional. From setting up my appointment to my cleaning and exam it was so smooth. I highly recommend!"

Aubrey Sanchez

"I have been a patient for approx 5 years. The dentists and staff are always delightful and informative. I would recommend your office to others"

Amy Larmore

"Hands down the best dentist I've been to in my 30 years. From the beginning everyone was friendly. The dental hygienist, Paige, put me at ease and was very gentle with the cleaning. The dentist was extremely nice and explained everything to me. I'm so glad I finally found a dentist that I enjoy going to."

Abby Chumin

"Wonderful experience. Staff was very friendly, teeth feel very clean. Explained procedures clearly, communicated openly and were easy to understand. "Greenwood Dental Smiles" is a very fitting name because smiles were abundant all around!"

Jared Wilson

"I highly recommend Greenwood Dental Smiles! Upon entering, I’m greeted by name- who doesn’t love that!? Everyone else I encounter is incredibly friendly and patient with all my questions. Whether I’m there for a cleaning or a different procedure everything is explained to me, step-by-step. The recently remodeled office is always clean. If you’re looking for a new dental office, Greenwood Dental Smiles is the place to go!"

Melissa Summitt

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The brightest smiles in Indiana are waiting at Greenwood Dental Smiles.