This phase is FUNDAMENTAL in the treatment of gums, if it is not complied with, the success of the treatment cannot be assured. Maintenance is carried out by hygienists supervised by the periodontist. The supra and subgingival plaque and calculus are removed with the use of ultrasound and mini-curettes to delve into the gum. The areas that retain plaque and the areas of possible relapses are detected. How often maintenance should be performed depends on the type of periodontal disease, age, whether or not you are a smoker and the skill of the patient with brushing.
In addition, if the patient has a dental implant in his mouth, these check-ups will have to be more frequent to prevent problems of mucositis or peri-implantitis.
We have incorporated a new apparatus into our clinics that allow us to carry out a new work system developed by the EMS brand, a leader in oral hygiene. This work protocol allows us to be more efficient and less invasive with the periodontal tissues of our patients. We always start with a plaque control to detect the areas with the greatest accumulation of plaque where the patient does not access well with brushing, and thus we can also learn which are the weakest areas to improve their brushing technique. Then we use an ERITITROL spray, which is a fine particle powder that does not damage enamel or ceramic or resin prostheses, and that removes dental biofilm in a more gentle way. If there are thicker calculus deposits, we will use ultrasound (which we will use with hot water to minimize sensitivity) or curettes, and we will end up leaving the entire surface well polished.
We carry out this work protocol in the maintenance phase, or sometimes in the anti-inflammatory phase as a complement to the scaling and root planning sessions.
In addition, at these maintenance appointments, the soft tissues will be checked, if there are new cavities, and implant control x-rays will be performed when necessary.
It is very important that the patient has good dental hygiene and is aware of the use of dental tape and/or interdental brushes, since if we can not have recurrences and continue to lose bone due to poor removal of bacterial plaque.