What is Periodontal Maintenance?

If you’ve had treatment for gum disease, your dentist may recommend periodontal maintenance instead of a regular cleaning. At first, that can sound like just another name for the same thing, but there is an important difference. Periodontal maintenance is meant for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. It helps keep the gums healthy after treatment and lowers the chance that gum disease will become active again.

Why is periodontal maintenance needed?

Gum disease causes inflammation around the teeth and can lead to deeper spaces between the teeth and gums. These spaces, called periodontal pockets, make it easier for plaque and bacteria to collect below the gumline. Once those pockets develop, regular brushing and flossing may not be enough to keep them completely clean. Patients with periodontal disease are often treated with scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning. That treatment removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and helps the gums heal. Periodontal maintenance is what comes next. These appointments help keep the results of treatment on track and give your dentist and hygienist a chance to watch for any changes in your gum health.

Is periodontal maintenance different from a regular cleaning?

Yes. A regular dental cleaning is usually recommended for patients who have healthy gums and no history of periodontal disease. The goal is to prevent problems by removing plaque and tartar before they cause trouble.

Periodontal maintenance is for patients who already have a history of gum disease. The cleaning may go deeper below the gumline, especially in areas where periodontal pockets are present.

Your hygienist may also check the depth of the pockets around your teeth and look for bleeding, swelling, gum recession, or other signs that gum disease is returning.

How often do you need periodontal maintenance?

A lot of patients come in every three or four months, although the schedule can vary.

Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have deeper pockets, heavy tartar buildup, bleeding gums, or other risk factors. The reason for the shorter schedule is pretty simple: plaque and bacteria start building up again long before six months have passed. Keeping up with periodontal maintenance makes it easier to catch problems early instead of waiting until they become more serious.

What happens during the appointment?

A periodontal maintenance visit feels similar to a regular cleaning. Your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gumline. Areas that have been affected by gum disease usually get extra attention. Your gums may also be measured so your dental team can compare your results from one visit to the next. If you have sensitive areas, let your hygienist know. There are ways to make the cleaning more comfortable.

Do you need periodontal maintenance forever?

For many patients, periodontal maintenance becomes part of their long-term dental care.

Periodontal disease can be controlled, but it can also come back. Even when your gums look and feel better, the areas affected by gum disease still need to be watched carefully.

Staying consistent with these visits can help protect your gums, the bone around your teeth, and your natural teeth over time.

If you’ve been told you need periodontal maintenance, or if it has been a while since your last visit, call our office to schedule an appointment. We can check your gum health and help you figure out the right maintenance schedule for you.

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