What Is Periodontal Maintenance and Why Is It Important?

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. When gum disease develops, it can cause lasting damage - not only to your oral health but to your overall well-being. For patients who have been treated for gum disease, periodontal maintenance is an essential part of keeping that damage from coming back.
 

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning and check-up schedule designed for patients who have had gum disease treatment, such as scaling and root planing. Unlike a standard dental cleaning, which focuses mainly on removing plaque and tartar from above the gumline, periodontal maintenance targets deeper areas around the teeth and gums.
 

During a periodontal maintenance visit, your dental team will:
 

•          Remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline.

•          Monitor gum health and measure pocket depths to detect any signs of disease recurrence.

•          Smooth tooth root surfaces to discourage future bacteria buildup.

•          Provide guidance on home care to maintain your gum health between visits.
 

How Is It Different from a Regular Dental Cleaning?

A regular dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is designed for patients with healthy gums and focuses on preventing gum disease. Periodontal maintenance is more frequent (often every 3-4 months) and is intended to control existing periodontal disease and prevent its progression. It is a continuation of your gum treatment plan, not a one-time fix.
 

Why Is Periodontal Maintenance Important?

Gum disease is a chronic condition that can return if not carefully managed. Even after successful treatment, harmful bacteria can repopulate in as little as three months. Without consistent periodontal maintenance, you may be at risk for:
 

•          Gum inflammation and bleeding

•          Bone loss around teeth

•          Tooth mobility or tooth loss

•          Increased risk of systemic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes complications

By staying on a tailored periodontal maintenance schedule, you can keep your gums healthy, protect your teeth, and reduce the risk of future invasive treatments.
 

Protect Your Smile from Gum Disease

Once gum disease has been treated, the work isn’t over. Ongoing care is essential to keep your gums healthy and prevent the disease from returning. Periodontal maintenance gives you the consistent monitoring and deep cleaning your smile needs to stay healthy for life.
 

Schedule your next periodontal maintenance visit at First Street Smiles to protect your gums for the long term. Contact our office in Hackensack, New Jersey, by calling (201) 322-0032 to book an appointment today.