PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Periodontal Maintenance
Ongoing professional care for patients with a history of gum disease.
Once periodontal disease has been treated, the goal shifts to keeping it from progressing again — which calls for a more frequent, more targeted cleaning schedule than routine prophylaxis.
a smile made for you.
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Periodontal Maintenance at Valencia Dental Office
After periodontal disease has been treated, many patients need a more frequent and specialized cleaning schedule than a routine preventive cleaning provides. Periodontal maintenance focuses on controlling bacterial deposits around and below the gumline and monitoring the stability of the gums and supporting bone.
This isn’t the same appointment as a standard cleaning; it specifically monitors and manages areas that showed disease in the past.
THE APPOINTMENT
What Happens at a Maintenance Visit
- Evaluating gum healthPocket depths and tissue condition are checked and compared to previous visits.
- Targeted cleaningTeeth and root surfaces are cleaned as needed, focused on areas with a history of disease.
- Addressing problem areasSpots that show continued bleeding or deeper pockets receive additional attention.
- Planning your next visitYour interval is confirmed or adjusted based on how your gums are responding.
SUPPORTING YOUR GUM HEALTH AT HOME
What You Can Do Between Visits
Consistent daily brushing and cleaning between teeth remains important for patients on a periodontal maintenance schedule, working alongside professional care rather than instead of it.
If you notice new bleeding, swelling or discomfort between visits, it’s worth a call rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.
HOW THIS DIFFERS FROM A CLEANING
Maintenance vs. Routine Prophylaxis
The two appointments look similar but serve different purposes.
Routine cleaning
Intended for patients without active periodontal disease requiring deeper therapy.
Periodontal maintenance
A more frequent, targeted schedule for patients previously treated for periodontitis.
Ongoing monitoring
Maintenance visits track whether treated areas remain stable over time.
WHAT MAINTENANCE FOCUSES ON
Managing Areas That Need Ongoing Care
- Below the gumlineBacterial deposits that accumulate below the gumline are a particular focus of each visit.
- Pocket depth monitoringAreas that previously showed deeper pockets are measured and tracked over time.
- Bleeding and inflammationAny areas that continue to bleed or show inflammation receive additional attention.
- A more frequent scheduleMaintenance visits are typically scheduled more often than a routine cleaning.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
When to Schedule a Visit
Periodontal maintenance is generally recommended for patients who have been treated for periodontitis. It is different from routine prophylaxis because periodontal disease requires ongoing management.
- You have previously been treated for gum disease
- You’ve noticed a return of bleeding or sensitive gums
- Your dentist has recommended periodontal maintenance rather than a routine cleaning
- It has been longer than your recommended interval since your last maintenance visit
Periodontal Maintenance FAQ
- What does periodontal maintenance involve?
- After periodontal disease has been treated, many patients need a more frequent and specialized cleaning schedule than a routine preventive cleaning provides. Periodontal maintenance focuses on controlling bacterial deposits around and below the gumline and monitoring the stability of the gums and supporting bone.
- How do I know whether this treatment is appropriate for me?
- Periodontal maintenance is generally recommended for patients who have been treated for periodontitis. It is different from routine prophylaxis because periodontal disease requires ongoing management.
- What should I expect from the treatment process?
- At maintenance visits, the dental team evaluates gum health and cleans the teeth and root surfaces as needed. Areas that continue to show deeper pockets, bleeding or inflammation receive additional attention.
- How is periodontal maintenance different from a regular cleaning?
- It’s a more frequent, more targeted appointment for patients previously treated for periodontal disease, rather than routine preventive care.
- How often will I need maintenance visits?
- This is individualized based on your history and how your gums have responded to treatment, and may be adjusted over time.
- Can I go back to a routine cleaning schedule eventually?
- This depends on how stable your gum health remains over time, and is a conversation to have with your dentist.
- Does maintenance hurt more than a regular cleaning?
- It can involve more thorough cleaning of areas with a history of disease, but your comfort is managed throughout, including local anesthetic if needed.
- What if I skip a maintenance appointment?
- Gaps in a periodontal maintenance schedule can allow disease to progress again, so it’s best to stay on the recommended interval.
