Periodontal Maintenance Procedure

If you have had treatment for gum disease, your dentist may recommend periodontal maintenance to help keep your gums healthy. These visits are different from regular cleanings because they focus more closely on the areas where gum disease has caused deeper pockets around the teeth. Periodontal maintenance is usually recommended after scaling and root planing and becomes part of your ongoing care.

What happens during periodontal maintenance?

The appointment starts much like a regular cleaning. Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gumline, but they also spend more time cleaning below the gums and around any periodontal pockets. These are areas where bacteria can collect and where your toothbrush and floss may not reach very well. The cleaning may be done with hand instruments, an ultrasonic scaler, or both.

Will my gums be checked during the appointment?

Yes. Your hygienist will look for changes in your gums, including bleeding, swelling, recession, and areas that seem more irritated than they were at your last visit. They may also measure the pockets around your teeth with a small probe. Keeping track of these measurements helps your dental team see whether your gums are staying stable or whether certain areas need more attention.

Is periodontal maintenance the same as a deep cleaning?

No. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a treatment used to get active gum disease under control. Periodontal maintenance is the follow-up care that comes afterward. You can think of scaling and root planing as the initial treatment and periodontal maintenance as the routine care that helps protect the results. The two procedures may involve some of the same areas, but they have different purposes.

Does periodontal maintenance hurt?

Most patients do fine with periodontal maintenance, but some areas can be sensitive, especially if the gums are inflamed or if you have deeper pockets. You may feel pressure or some tenderness while tartar is being removed below the gumline. If something feels uncomfortable, tell your hygienist. They can slow down, adjust what they are doing, or talk with you about ways to make the visit more comfortable.

How long does periodontal maintenance take?

The appointment length depends on how much buildup you have and how many areas need extra attention. For some patients, periodontal maintenance takes about the same amount of time as a regular cleaning. For others, it may take longer if there is more tartar below the gumline or several deeper pockets that need to be cleaned carefully.

How often do I need periodontal maintenance?

Many patients come in every three or four months. That schedule helps keep plaque and tartar from building up again in areas affected by gum disease. Your dentist may recommend a different interval based on your pocket depths, gum health, how quickly tartar forms, and how well things are staying under control between visits.

What should I expect after the procedure?

Most people go back to their normal day right away. Your gums or teeth may feel a little tender or sensitive for a short time, especially if there was a lot of buildup to remove. Keeping up with brushing, cleaning between your teeth, and your recommended maintenance visits makes a big difference in keeping gum disease from getting worse.

If you are due for periodontal maintenance, call our office to schedule an appointment. We can check your gums, clean the areas that need attention, and help you keep your periodontal health on track.

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