Periodontal Maintenance

Ongoing gum care to prevent disease from returning and maintain oral health.

Periodontal Maintenance

What to know

Periodontal Maintenance, explained.

What it is, how it works and how it helps, in plain words.

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning for patients who have been treated for gum disease. It's more thorough than a routine cleaning and focuses on keeping the gum pockets healthy over the long term.

Your hygienist measures the depth of your gum pockets, removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, and cleans root surfaces in areas prone to buildup. Visits are commonly scheduled every three to four months, since the bacteria that cause gum disease can rebuild within that time.

Gum disease can be controlled but tends to return without consistent care. Regular maintenance catches flare-ups early, helps protect your bone and teeth, and keeps your gums stable after treatment.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Common questions about periodontal maintenance.

A regular cleaning is designed for healthy gums and focuses mainly above the gumline. Periodontal maintenance goes deeper, cleaning the pockets below the gumline and closely tracking changes in your gum health.

The bacteria that cause gum disease tend to repopulate deep pockets within a few months. More frequent visits keep them in check before they can cause further damage.

Most patients with a history of periodontitis benefit from ongoing maintenance. If your gums stay stable over time, your dentist may adjust how often you come in.

A Lakeview Smiles dentist laughing with a patient as she checks her new smile in a hand mirror

Your next visit

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