The Importance of Periodontal Maintenance
It only takes twenty-four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to harden into calculus (tartar). Daily home care helps control plaque and tartar buildup, but hard-to-reach areas will always need professional attention.
Once your periodontal treatment is complete, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend regular periodontal maintenance cleanings — typically four times a year. During these visits, gum pocket depths are carefully monitored to ensure they remain healthy. Plaque and calculus that cannot be removed with daily brushing and flossing are cleaned from above and below the gum line to help keep periodontal disease under control.
What to Expect During a Periodontal Maintenance Visit
In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will usually include:
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay. - Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)
- Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
What is periodontal maintenance and why is it important?
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning performed after periodontal treatment to keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease from returning. It goes deeper than a regular cleaning to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line — areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Regular maintenance helps protect your teeth and supporting bone long term.
Q.
How often should I have periodontal maintenance visits?
Most patients benefit from periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months, though your dentist will tailor the interval to your individual needs based on how well your gums are healing and your risk of disease recurrence.
Q.
How is periodontal maintenance different from a regular cleaning?
Unlike a routine prophylaxis cleaning (for general preventive care), periodontal maintenance is more thorough. It targets deeper pockets where bacteria can hide and cause inflammation — which helps prevent periodontal disease from returning.
Q.
Is periodontal maintenance painful?
Most patients find periodontal maintenance comfortable. If you’re sensitive or anxious, your hygienist can help you feel at ease and may use numbing or gentle techniques as needed. Your comfort is always a priority.
Q.
Can periodontal disease come back if I skip maintenance visits?
Yes. Even after treatment, harmful bacteria begin to repopulate in hard-to-reach areas within months. Skipping maintenance appointments increases the risk of gum inflammation, deeper pockets, and potentially tooth loss. Regular maintenance is key to keeping periodontal disease in check.
Q.
How long do periodontal maintenance appointments take?
Appointments can vary in length but typically take longer than a regular cleaning because your hygienist performs a deeper, more comprehensive evaluation and cleaning to keep your periodontal health stable.