Periodontal Maintenance
Treatment For Life
Protecting Your Gums After Periodontal Disease Treatment
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized type of dental cleaning designed for patients who have been treated for gum disease. Unlike a routine prophylaxis cleaning, periodontal maintenance focuses on managing bacteria and inflammation below the gumline to prevent the recurrence or progression of periodontal disease. If you’ve had scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) or periodontal surgery in the past, ongoing maintenance is essential to protect your investment in your oral health.
Gum disease is a chronic condition. Even after successful treatment, harmful bacteria can quickly recolonize around the teeth and beneath the gums. Periodontal maintenance appointments allow us to carefully monitor gum health, measure pocket depths, remove hardened plaque (calculus) from below the gumline, and intervene early if inflammation returns. These visits are typically recommended every three to four months, depending on your individual risk factors.
Key Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
- Prevents Disease Recurrence: Regular removal of bacteria and calculus below the gumline helps stop periodontal disease from returning or worsening.
- Protects Bone and Tooth Support: Controlling inflammation reduces the risk of further bone loss and helps maintain the stability of your teeth.
- Reduces Gum Inflammation and Bleeding: Thorough cleaning beneath the gums decreases swelling, tenderness, and bleeding during brushing or flossing.
- Helps Prevent Tooth Loss: By stabilizing periodontal health, maintenance visits significantly reduce the likelihood of losing teeth due to gum disease.
- Supports Overall Health: Periodontal inflammation has been linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Maintaining healthy gums supports your overall well-being.
- Early Detection of Problems: Frequent monitoring allows us to identify changes in pocket depths, gum recession, or implant health before they become serious.
If areas of active infection are detected, localized treatment may be recommended including scaling & root planing or localized antibiotic application.
Why is periodontal maintenance necessary?
What should I expect at a periodontal maintenance visit?
Your visit will include:
- Review of your medical and dental history
- Periodontal charting (measuring gum pocket depths)
- Removal of plaque and calculus above and below the gumline
- Polishing of teeth as appropriate
- Evaluation of any dental implants
- Personalized home care recommendations
How do I maintain good oral hygiene after my visit?
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use an electric toothbrush if recommended
- Floss or use interdental brushes daily
- Consider antimicrobial rinses if prescribed
- Keep all scheduled maintenance appointments
Consistent home care combined with professional maintenance is the key to long-term stability.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance visits?
Dr. Bleier and Staff will recommend how often you should have a periodontal maintenance visit, but it is best to get a cleaning every three months. The frequency will be determined by the type of periodontal disease you have, the type of periodontal treatment you have had in the past, how you have responded to those treatments, and how quickly you accumulate plaque. The most important factor, however, is how dedicated you are to good hygiene at home.