After gum disease has been treated, ongoing care becomes essential to prevent its return. This type of care is known as periodontal maintenance. While it may resemble a standard dental cleaning on the surface, this procedure is more thorough, more frequent, and more specifically targeted. It plays a crucial role in preventing the recurrence of active periodontitis and in protecting the stability of both natural teeth and dental restorations.
Periodontal maintenance is typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on individual risk factors and the progression of healing.
Cleaning, Above and Below the Gumline
The periodontal maintenance procedure typically begins with a detailed evaluation of the gums. This includes measuring the depth of the gum pockets around each tooth using a small, calibrated instrument.
Next, your care provider will generally move on to a supragingival cleaning, wherein plaque and hardened calculus are removed from the exposed surfaces of the teeth, above the gumline. By eliminating these visible deposits, the hygienist reduces the bacterial load in the mouth and prepares for deeper cleaning beneath the surface.
In a subgingival cleaning, specialized instruments are used to clean below the gumline, in the pockets that have formed between the teeth and gums. These pockets are a key feature of periodontal disease since they can easily become reservoirs for harmful bacteria. Left undisturbed, bacteria can trigger a fresh cycle of inflammation and tissue breakdown. Regular cleaning helps keep infection under control and protects the underlying bone. These intensive cleanings serve as a crucial stage in preventing new bacterial colonies from forming.
Further Steps in Treatment
Diagnostic assessment is a regular part of periodontal maintenance. X-rays may be taken to evaluate bone levels or monitor specific areas of concern. The dentist will often conduct a full examination, checking for changes in pocket depth, signs of tooth decay, and the condition of any existing restorations.
In many cases, a procedure known as scaling and root planing is included as part of the visit. This involves smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth, making it harder for plaque and bacteria to cling to them. It also encourages the gum tissue to reattach to the root surfaces, reducing the depth of the pockets and improving stability. While root planing is most commonly associated with the initial treatment of gum disease, it may be repeated in areas where healing has been slow or where new inflammation has appeared.
Frequency of Visits, Explained
Importantly, periodontal maintenance is not a cure. Gum disease in its advanced stages is considered chronic, which means it can be managed but not fully reversed. The maintenance phase serves to keep the condition stable, slow or stop further bone loss, and reduce the likelihood of flare-ups that might require surgical intervention. Skipping appointments, even when the gums feel fine, increases the risk of relapse. The goal is not just to clean but to intervene before inflammation has a chance to take hold again.
Although it may seem repetitive, periodontal maintenance is one of the most important investments you can make in your oral health. It helps preserve the gains made during active treatment, lowers the risk of tooth loss, and ensures that the disease does not progress in silence. The procedure is thorough, targeted, and based on scientific evidence.