Periodontal Maintenance
Long-Term Care for Your Gums
Gum disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care to prevent relapse and maintain healthy gums and bone. After undergoing treatment for gum disease—such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)—regular periodontal maintenance visits are crucial to keep your oral health in check. At Gramercy Dental Group, we provide personalized periodontal maintenance cleanings to help our patients avoid reinfection and preserve their natural teeth for years to come.
Many people mistakenly believe that once they’ve had a deep cleaning, their gum disease is “cured.” However, because gum disease is a lifelong condition, it requires continuous management to keep bacteria from building up again and causing further damage. That’s why periodontal maintenance cleanings are essential for long-term oral health.
What is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized dental cleaning designed for patients who have had gum disease in the past. Unlike regular dental cleanings, which focus on removing plaque and tartar from above the gumline, periodontal maintenance targets deeper areas where gum disease-causing bacteria can hide.
During a periodontal maintenance visit, we:
- Remove plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gumline.
- Clean out deep periodontal pockets to eliminate bacteria and prevent infection.
- Monitor gum pocket depths to ensure gum disease is not progressing.
- Provide personalized home care recommendations to help maintain gum health.
These visits are typically scheduled every 3 to 4 months, depending on the severity of your gum disease and your individual needs.
Why is periodontal maintenance necessary?
Many patients ask, “Why can’t I just get regular cleanings?” The answer is simple: regular cleanings (prophylaxis) are for patients with healthy gums, while periodontal maintenance is for those who have had gum disease.
Here’s why periodontal maintenance is so important:
- Prevents Gum Disease from Returning – Gum disease is a chronic condition, meaning that even if symptoms subside, bacteria can still linger beneath the gums. Without professional maintenance, infection can come back and lead to further gum and bone loss.
- Stops the Progression of Bone Loss – Periodontitis causes irreversible bone loss around the teeth. By keeping bacteria under control, periodontal maintenance helps slow down this process and preserves the structure supporting your teeth.
- Protects Against Tooth Loss – Advanced gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal maintenance helps keep your teeth stable and prevents the need for extractions, dentures, or implants.
- Reduces Systemic Health Risks – Studies have shown that gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other serious health conditions. Keeping your gums healthy can lower inflammation in the body and reduce these risks.
- Improves Breath & Gum Health – Gum disease often leads to persistent bad breath (halitosis), bleeding gums, and gum recession. Regular cleanings help eliminate bacteria and keep your mouth feeling fresh and healthy.
What happens during a periodontal maintenance visit?
A periodontal maintenance appointment is similar to a deep cleaning but focuses on preventing further disease progression. The process includes:
- Comprehensive Gum Health Evaluation
- Tartar & Plaque Removal
- Irrigation & Antimicrobia
- Personalized Oral Hygiene Coaching
- Scheduling Follow-Up Visits
Comprehensive Gum Health Evaluation
We measure periodontal pockets (spaces between teeth and gums) to check for any signs of infection or worsening gum disease.
Tartar & Plaque Removal (Scaling & Root Planing as Needed)
Using specialized instruments, we clean above and below the gumline, especially targeting areas where bacteria hide in deep pockets.
Irrigation & Antimicrobial Treatment (If Necessary)
In some cases, we apply antimicrobial agents to help eliminate harmful bacteria and promote healing.
Personalized Oral Hygiene Coaching
We provide customized home care recommendations to help you maintain your gum health between visits.
Scheduling Follow-Up Visits
We determine the best maintenance schedule for you (typically every 3 to 4 months) to ensure gum disease remains under control.
How Often Do I Need Periodontal Maintenance?
Most patients need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months, depending on factors like:
- The severity of past gum disease – The more advanced your gum disease was, the more frequently you’ll need maintenance visits.
- Your oral hygiene habits – Patients who maintain excellent brushing and flossing habits may require fewer visits.
- Other health conditions – Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or smoking can make gum disease more aggressive, requiring closer monitoring.
Skipping or delaying periodontal maintenance can allow bacteria to recolonize, leading to gum inflammation, deeper pockets, and further damage to your teeth and gums.
Take Control of Your Gum Health Today!
If you’ve had gum disease in the past, maintaining your oral health is essential to prevent future complications. With routine periodontal maintenance visits, you can keep your gums healthy, prevent tooth loss, and protect your overall well-being.
Call us today to schedule your periodontal maintenance appointment and take the next step toward a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Take Control of Your Gum Health Today!
If you’ve had gum disease in the past, maintaining your oral health is essential to prevent future complications. With routine periodontal maintenance visits, you can keep your gums healthy, prevent tooth loss, and protect your overall well-being.
Call us today to schedule your periodontal maintenance appointment and take the next step toward a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Maintenance
Can I go back to regular cleanings after a deep cleaning?
No, once you’ve had gum disease, you need periodontal maintenance cleanings indefinitely to prevent relapse. Regular cleanings do not clean below the gumline, where bacteria can still hide.
Will periodontal maintenance cleanings hurt?
No, the procedure is gentle and comfortable, especially since we use local anesthesia if needed. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity, but this typically subsides quickly.
Is periodontal maintenance covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover periodontal maintenance cleanings under their periodontal treatment benefits. Our office can check your coverage and provide cost estimates.
What happens if I skip periodontal maintenance visits?
Skipping visits can allow gum disease to return, leading to bone loss, gum recession, and even tooth loss. Periodontal maintenance is the best way to protect your smile long-term.
Can I do anything at home to reduce the need for frequent cleanings?
Yes! Brushing twice daily, flossing every day, using an antimicrobial mouth rinse, and avoiding tobacco products can significantly improve gum health. However, professional cleanings are still necessary.