Dental Code D4910: Periodontal maintenance

Dental Code D4910, also known as Periodontal Maintenance, is a crucial dental procedure specifically designed for patients diagnosed with gum disease, known as periodontitis. This code represents a comprehensive treatment approach to maintaining the health of the teeth and gums following the completion of active periodontal therapy. 

As with other services, prices in America vary from dentist to dentist and city to city. The minimum charge for this service is $100 and the maximum $200. Most dentists charge around $150. 

Low cost of living	Medium cost of living	High cost of living
Memphis (Tennessee), Cincinnati (Ohio)	Miami (Florida), Denver (Colorado), Austin (Texas)	(New York (New York), San Francisco (California)
$100	$150	$200

Dental Code D4910, Periodontal Maintenance, refers to a routine dental visit that focuses on the ongoing care and maintenance of the periodontal health of patients who have previously undergone active periodontal therapy. It is essential to note that periodontal maintenance is distinct from regular dental cleaning (prophylaxis) and is specifically tailored to patients with a history of gum disease.

During the initial visit for periodontal maintenance, the dentist or dental hygienist will perform a comprehensive assessment and examination of your teeth and gums. This involves a visual examination, probing the gum pockets, and evaluating the overall oral health. X-rays or other diagnostic tests may also be taken to evaluate the bone level and identify any underlying issues.

The dental professional will measure the depth of gum pockets using a small probe. Healthy gums usually have pocket depths of 1-3 millimeters. However, in individuals with periodontitis, these pockets become deeper and may measure 4 millimeters or more. The depth of the pockets is an essential indicator of the severity of gum disease.

If necessary, the dental professional will proceed with scaling and root planing, which is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure. This step is typically performed during the initial phase of active periodontal therapy but may also be required during subsequent periodontal maintenance visits.

Scaling involves the removal of plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacteria from above and below the gumline. The dental professional uses specialized dental instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers and hand scalers, to carefully remove these deposits. This process is crucial as it eliminates the sources of infection and inflammation in the gums.

Root planing, on the other hand, focuses on smoothening the tooth roots to discourage the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. By creating a smoother surface, it becomes more difficult for bacteria to adhere to the roots, effectively reducing the risk of further inflammation and gum disease progression.

Proper oral hygiene practices are paramount in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. During the periodontal maintenance visit, the dental professional will provide personalized oral hygiene instructions tailored to your specific needs. They will demonstrate effective brushing and flossing techniques and may recommend additional oral care products to enhance your oral hygiene routine.

It is essential to understand the proper technique for brushing your teeth. The dental professional will emphasize the importance of using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to clean all tooth surfaces. They may recommend an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective in removing plaque and maintaining gum health.

Flossing is another critical aspect of oral hygiene that will be addressed during the visit. The dental professional will demonstrate the correct way to floss, emphasizing the importance of reaching below the gumline to remove plaque and debris. They may also recommend interdental brushes or water flossers as alternative cleaning aids for areas that are difficult to reach with traditional floss.

The primary focus of periodontal maintenance is to prevent the recurrence or progression of gum disease. During these visits, the dental professional will meticulously clean your teeth, removing any residual plaque or tartar that may have accumulated since the last appointment. Special attention will be given to the gum pockets to ensure they remain free from irritants and infection-causing bacteria.

The dental professional will use scaling instruments to remove any plaque or tartar deposits above and below the gumline. They will also perform root planing, as necessary, to ensure the tooth roots remain smooth and free from bacteria. This thorough cleaning process helps to reduce inflammation, control bacterial growth, and promote healing of the gum tissues.

Regular periodontal maintenance visits allow the dental professional to monitor your oral health, track any changes, and detect early signs of potential problems. They will measure the depth of gum pockets, assess the gum tissue's condition, and evaluate the stability of your periodontal health. X-rays or other diagnostic tests may be taken periodically to monitor bone levels and detect any signs of bone loss.

If any concerns are identified during the monitoring and evaluation process, the dental professional may recommend additional treatments or referrals to a periodontist, a specialist in gum disease and dental implants. These treatments may include localizedantibiotic therapy, gum grafting procedures, or other specialized interventions aimed at managing specific periodontal issues.

Dental Code D4910, Periodontal Maintenance, is a vital dental procedure aimed at maintaining the health of the gums and teeth in patients who have previously undergone active periodontal therapy. It involves routine visits to the dental office for thorough cleanings, monitoring of gum health, and personalized oral hygiene instructions.

In conclusion, Dental Code D4910 serves as a crucial tool for dental professionals to provide comprehensive care and maintenance for patients with a history of gum disease. By following the prescribed steps of periodontal maintenance, individuals can enjoy improved oral health and minimize the risk of future complications. Regular visits to the dentist and diligent oral hygiene practices are vital for maintaining healthy gums and a beautiful smile in the long run.

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