Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a condition affecting the gum tissue caused by a buildup of plaque. Basically, it is a bacterial infection of the gums that requires treatment to stop it from progressing.
However, treating gum disease is only the first step toward maintaining healthier gums. Most patients require continued care to keep it under control. A periodontal maintenance program is an ongoing approach designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, monitor periodontal pockets, and help prevent gum disease from returning.
Hudson Valley Periodontics and Implantology recommends periodontal maintenance schedules based on each patient's current and past periodontal health and how quickly calculus develops.
What Is a Periodontal Maintenance Program?
Periodontal maintenance involves regular examinations and thorough cleanings for patients who have been treated for gum disease. These visits include removing plaque and tartar above and below the gumline and monitoring periodontal pocket depths.
Periodontal maintenance commonly follows treatments such as scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery. It differs from simply addressing a one-time problem because the goal is to keep periodontal disease under control over time.
Why Is Periodontal Maintenance Important After Gum Disease Treatment?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar, making continued plaque and calculus control important even after treatment. Without ongoing care, bacteria can recolonize in your mouth and potentially begin affecting your gums and supporting bone again.
Benefits of consistent maintenance include:
- Removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline
- Monitoring periodontal pocket depths to determine if surgical care may be needed
- Identifying changes in gum health that could indicate recurrence
- Reducing the risk of periodontal disease returning
- Helping protect the tissues that support the natural teeth
Do You Need a Periodontal Maintenance Program?
Periodontal maintenance is typically recommended for people with a history of gum disease, particularly following scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery. The need for ongoing treatment depends on the individual and will not necessarily follow the same schedule for every patient.
Your periodontist will consider the following factors when creating a maintenance schedule:
- Current gum health
- Previous periodontal disease
- Periodontal pocket depths
- How quickly plaque and calculus accumulate
- Response to previous periodontal treatment
- Individual risk factors that could make recurring gum disease more likely
How Often Is Periodontal Maintenance Needed?
A common schedule includes appointments every 3 months, but frequency varies based on the health of your gums. Periodontal maintenance is personalized and typically more frequent than the standard twice-yearly cleaning schedule. Some patients may require long-term maintenance, while patients whose gum disease has remained in remission may eventually be advised to return to routine dental cleanings and exams.
Protect Your Gum Health With Ongoing Periodontal Care
Successful gum disease treatment does not necessarily mean periodontal care is finished. Consistent maintenance can help protect the progress you have made and monitor your periodontal health over time.
Patients with a history of periodontal disease or previous gum disease treatment should ask whether a periodontal maintenance program is appropriate for them. Hudson Valley Periodontics and Implantology takes an individualized approach, recommending appropriate treatment options while allowing you to make informed decisions about your care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Maintenance
Is periodontal maintenance the same as a regular dental cleaning?
Periodontal maintenance is intended primarily for patients with a history of periodontal disease and includes cleaning above and below the gumline as well as monitoring periodontal pockets.
Is periodontal maintenance considered a deep cleaning?
Periodontal maintenance is a deep cleaning involving scaling above and below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar.
Will I need periodontal maintenance forever?
Many patients require long-term maintenance because gum disease can return. However, some patients whose periodontal disease remains in remission may eventually transition back to regular cleanings and exams.
How often should periodontal maintenance be performed?
Every 3 months is a common schedule, but the appropriate frequency depends on your periodontal health and individual needs.
Does dental insurance cover periodontal maintenance?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Some plans cover periodontal maintenance while others limit coverage to 2 prophylaxis appointments per year. Contact your provider for specific information regarding your coverage.
At Hudson Valley Periodontics and Implantology, we have spent more than 30 years helping patients protect their gums, teeth, and supporting structures through personalized periodontal care. We believe every patient has unique needs, which is why we focus on providing individualized treatment options designed to support lasting oral health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.