Periodontal Maintenance
What Is Periodontal Maintenance? You finish your dental appointment, walk to the front desk, and expect to schedule your next visit for six months down the road. But then, the hygienist suggests seeing you in three or four months for something called “periodontal maintenance.”
If this scenario sounds familiar, you aren’t alone. Many patients are surprised when they transition from a standard cleaning schedule to a periodontal maintenance program. While it might seem like just another cleaning, this specialized treatment is a vital tool in managing gum disease and keeping your natural teeth for a lifetime.
Understanding the difference between these treatments can help you take better control of your oral health and stop gum disease in its tracks.
Periodontal maintenance is a specialised dental cleaning procedure performed for patients who have a history of periodontal (gum) disease.
Unlike a standard cleaning, which is preventative, periodontal maintenance is therapeutic. It is specifically designed to halt the progression of gum disease in patients who have previously undergone active treatment, such as deep cleaning (scaling and root surface debridement) or gum surgery.
Once gum disease damages the supporting bone and tissue around your teeth, the condition is considered chronic. While it cannot be completely cured, it can be managed. Think of it like managing diabetes or high blood pressure; you don’t stop treatment just because your numbers look good today. You maintain the treatment to ensure they stay that way.
How Is It Different From a "Regular" Cleaning?
To understand why you need maintenance, it helps to understand what a “regular” cleaning actually is.
Prophylaxis (Regular Cleaning)
A standard cleaning, medically known as prophylaxis, is for patients with healthy gums and no bone loss. The goal is to remove plaque and tartar from the crowns of the teeth—mostly above the gum line. It is a preventive measure typically scheduled every six months.
Periodontal Maintenance
This procedure goes deeper. Because patients with a history of gum disease have “pockets” (spaces between the tooth and gum) that are deeper than normal, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. Periodontal maintenance involves cleaning below the gum line to remove toxins and bacteria from these pockets.
If a patient with a history of bone loss went back to a standard “trophy” schedule, the bacteria would likely repopulate the deep pockets, leading to active infection, further bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss.
Why the 3-Month Interval?
One of the most common questions patients ask is, “Why do I have to come in so often?” The answer lies in biology.
Research shows that the bacteria responsible for destroying gum tissue and bone take approximately 90 days (3 months) to re-colonise and organise into a destructive force.
By scheduling your maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months, your dental team can disrupt this bacterial growth before it causes significant damage. This timing is crucial for breaking the cycle of inflammation and infection.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A periodontal maintenance appointment is detailed and thorough. Your hygienist or dentist will usually perform the following steps:
- Supra gingival Cleaning: Removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
- Pocket Depth Measurement: Measuring the space between your teeth and gums to track if the disease is stable or progressing.
- X-rays: Taking periodic images to monitor bone levels.
Protecting Your Smile for the Long Term
The transition to periodontal maintenance is actually a success story. It means you have taken the necessary steps to treat your gum disease and are now in a phase of stability.
While it requires more frequent visits than the average patient, this maintenance schedule is your best defence against tooth loss. By sticking to your appointments and maintaining good home care, you can keep your gums healthy and your smile intact for years to come.
If you are overdue for your maintenance visit or have noticed symptoms like bleeding gums or bad breath, don’t wait. Contact our practice today to get your oral health back on track.
