Periodontal Maintenance vs Regular Cleaning

If your dentist recommends periodontal maintenance instead of a regular cleaning, you may wonder what the difference is. Both appointments remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, but they are meant for different patients. A regular dental cleaning is preventive care for people with healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance is ongoing care for people who have been treated for gum disease. The biggest difference is what is happening below the gumline.

What happens during a regular dental cleaning?

A regular cleaning, sometimes called a prophylaxis, is usually recommended for patients who do not have periodontal disease. Your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gumline, and your teeth are usually polished. Your dentist may also check for cavities, changes in your gums, and other dental problems. For many patients, regular cleanings are scheduled about every six months. The goal is to keep teeth and gums healthy and catch problems early.

What is periodontal maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Gum disease can create deeper spaces between the teeth and gums called periodontal pockets. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria can collect in these areas where brushing and flossing may not be enough. After treatment such as scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance helps keep those areas clean and reduces the chance that gum disease will become active again. Your hygienist may clean farther below the gumline and check for bleeding, inflammation, gum recession, or changes in pocket depth.

Why can’t I just get a regular cleaning?

Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dental needs are different. A regular cleaning is designed mainly to prevent gum disease in patients with healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance is designed to manage gum disease that has already developed. Even after treatment, areas affected by periodontal disease may still need closer attention. Returning to regular cleanings when deeper pockets are present can allow plaque and tartar to build up below the gumline again.

How often is periodontal maintenance needed?

Regular dental cleanings are often scheduled every six months, while periodontal maintenance is usually recommended more often. Many patients come in every three or four months, although the right schedule depends on your individual needs. Your dentist may consider the depth of your periodontal pockets, how quickly plaque and tartar build up, whether your gums bleed or become inflamed, and how well your periodontal disease is staying under control.

Will I always need periodontal maintenance?

Many patients with a history of periodontal disease continue periodontal maintenance long term. This does not mean your treatment did not work. Gum disease can often be managed successfully, but it can become active again if bacteria begin building up below the gumline. Staying consistent with periodontal maintenance helps protect the progress you have already made and gives your dental team a chance to catch changes early.

Which type of cleaning do I need?

The right type of cleaning depends on the health of your gums, not simply how long it has been since your last appointment. If your gums are healthy and you do not have periodontal disease, a regular cleaning may be all you need. If you have been treated for periodontal disease, periodontal maintenance will usually be recommended. If you’re not sure which type of cleaning is right for you, call our office to schedule an appointment. We can check your teeth and gums and recommend the type of care that makes the most sense for you.

Related Article: What is Dental Prophylaxis?