Periodontal Maintenance: What It Is and Why It Matters

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a professional dental cleaning procedure designed to remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup that can cause or worsen gum disease. It’s an essential treatment for people who have already undergone periodontal therapy and have a history of gum disease.

Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the patient’s condition and the recommendation of their dentist or periodontist.

The Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance

There are many benefits to periodontal maintenance, including:

• Prevents gum disease from progressing: Periodontal maintenance helps remove bacteria and plaque buildup, preventing gum disease from worsening.
• Prevents tooth loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular periodontal maintenance appointments can help prevent this from happening.
• Maintains oral health: Periodontal maintenance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and can prevent other oral health problems, such as cavities and bad breath.
• Helps detect other health problems: Your dentist or periodontist may be able to detect other health problems during your periodontal maintenance appointments, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?

Anyone who has had gum disease in the past and has undergone periodontal therapy will most likely need periodontal maintenance. Additionally, you may also benefit from periodontal maintenance if you:

• Have a family history of gum disease
• Smoke
• Have diabetes
• Are pregnant and may be at a higher risk for gum disease

The Periodontal Maintenance Process

The periodontal maintenance process typically involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Evaluation: Your dentist will evaluate your gum health and determine if further treatment is needed.
2. Scaling and Root Planing: If necessary, your dental hygienist will perform scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and smoothing out the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from sticking to them.
3. Polishing: After scaling and root planing, your dental hygienist will polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains or plaque.
4. Oral Hygiene Education: Your dental hygienist will provide oral hygiene education and tips to help you maintain good oral health at home.
5. Follow-up: Your dentist or periodontist will schedule your next appointment for periodontal maintenance, typically three to four months later.

The Cost of Periodontal Maintenance

The cost of periodontal maintenance varies depending on the location, the dentist or periodontist, and your insurance coverage. In general, it’s more expensive than a regular dental cleaning, but most dental insurance plans cover all or a portion of the costs. Patients should check with their insurance provider to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Ask your dentist if they have any special discounts or provide financing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Protect Your Gums With Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is a critical preventive treatment that can help manage and control the progression of gum disease. You should schedule a periodontal maintenance appointment with your dentist or periodontist if you have a history of gum disease or are at risk for developing gum disease.

Our Wasilla dentist is willing to help you get the dental care you need, schedule now!