Periodontal Maintenance - Fort Smith, AR

Keeping Your Smile Healthy &
Beautiful for Life

The key to proper dental maintenance and the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease is the removal of plaque from the teeth. Plaque forms on all teeth in every mouth, and it only takes 24 hours for this plaque to harden into tartar, which is extremely difficult to remove. Daily dental cleaning through brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash can remove most of the plaque from your teeth, but plaque can also build up in hard-to-reach places along the gum line. This plaque usually cannot be completely removed with a toothbrush or dental floss. Removal of this plaque often requires periodontal maintenance from a dental professional like Dr. López and his team at New Smile Dental: Gilberto Lopez, DDS.

A dentist or dental hygienist can remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar from your teeth with routine periodontal treatment. Of course, this is much more thorough than brushing your teeth regularly, although the importance of that cannot be understated. Once this treatment is complete, it is recommended that you return to our dental office for regular maintenance cleanings usually twice a year. Dr. López will examine those hard-to-reach places where plaque and tartar can build up, which is usually above and below the gum line.

Periodontal evaluation and cleaning are obviously the most important parts of any teeth cleaning, but a thorough check-up with New Smile Dental: Gilberto Lopez, DDS will also include dental X-rays and examinations of existing restorations, such as fillings and crowns, an examination for tooth decay, teeth polishing, and some helpful tips on maintaining proper oral hygiene at home.