Treatment Guide

Maintenance

*All the case pictures on this website were taken during treatments at Nonaka Dental Clinic.

Most dental troubles are preventable with regular maintenance. We recommend having regular check-ups and cleaning performed at the most common interval of every three months, depending on the patient. For those patients having had special procedures done such as implantation or periodontal disease treatment, we recommend an interval of every two months, or even once a month for maintenance. Overall, we suggest a maintenance program that is suitable to every individual.

How old do you suppose the patient is in this picture?
The answer is 76 years old. We performed treatment on the patient’s entire jaw ten years ago. Since then, the patient has visited every three months for maintenance without fail. As a result, for the past ten years, the patient has been living comfort with no need for any particular treatment.

Three Important Preventative Elements

1. Teeth Brushing
2. Proper eating habits
3. Regular check-ups and Professional Mechanical Tooth Cleaning (P.M.T.C)

P.M.T.C

The hygienist removes plaque from the surface and surrounding areas of the teeth using various implements and fluorine paste.

Tooth decay and periodontal disease is caused by plaque, and research suggests matured plaque adhered to the tooth surface can be classified as a thriving “microbial biofilm.”

Microbial biofilms are a collective of diverse microorganisms, intricately intertwined, that form a highly stable colony, and are in a type of symbiotic relationship with one another.

These biofilms are protected by a polysaccharide substance that bacteria produce and that allows the biofilm to stick strongly to the teeth. As a result, it becomes difficult to remove with a toothbrush. The effect of ointment or mouthwash on biofilm is limited as well because biofilms tend to repel other substances. P.M.T.C is considered the most efficient and effective way to scale biofilms.

The patient in the below pictures visited our clinic experiencing some localized gum tissue bleeding on both the upper, and lower, right side of the mouth. If left untreated, this situation would eventually result in a case of periodontal disease. There was no tooth decay, and by just removing stains and biofilm, the bleeding and symptoms were remedied. Since then, the patient maintains a healthy set of gums by attending a regular three-month check-up with us.

As this case demonstrates, a patient at risk of periodontal disease (because of untreated treated symptoms) can indeed experience long term benefits and achieve a healthy set of teeth and gums with early stage intervention and ongoing maintenance. Unfortunately, proactive maintenance rates are far lower in Japan compared to Western countries.

Proactive maintenance rates by country

*reference from Shika kozo kaikaaku ron by KUMAGAI Takashi (Shikai tembo vol.105)

Conventional wisdom in Japan has been that we go to the dentist for treatment when we have tooth decay. The dentist was a place

Conventional wisdom in Japan has been that we go to the dentist for treatment when we have tooth decay. The dentist, then, is a place to visit after having already been affected by decay. No decay, no dentist. That is Japanese consciousness. As a result, what has become of us? We are often subjected to tooth decay and have to have our teeth shaven, crowned, and in the end, extracted. After tooth extraction, dentures are worn. Losing our teeth is seen as a “natural” matter of course as we get old. Recently, however, this incorrect perception is shifting, and Japan is beginning to understand that we can lead a healthy life (quality of life) with our own teeth, for life.

With just a bit of lifestyle improvement, proper daily tooth brushing, and regular check-ups, isn’t it great that we can live comfortably and healthfully with our own teeth throughout life? We would love to be of assistance in this purpose.