What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized ongoing cleaning and monitoring program designed for patients who have been treated for gum disease. It differs from a standard prophylaxis in both scope and frequency, reflecting the fact that periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires long-term management to prevent recurrence and protect the progress achieved through treatment.
Periodontal Maintenance: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1 per interval |
| Time needed | About 60 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Usually none |
| Recovery time | None |
| How often | Every 3 to 4 months |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance
Maintenance visits are typically scheduled every three to four months, though the frequency may be adjusted based on each patient’s response to treatment and individual risk factors. This cadence is not arbitrary. Research consistently shows that bacteria capable of restarting the disease process recolonize within weeks after cleaning, making regular professional intervention essential for patients with a periodontal history.
Once you have had periodontitis, you remain at risk for life. Maintenance visits remove bacteria from below the gumline before they can restart the disease, and they catch any relapse while it is small.
- You have completed scaling and root planing
- You have had gum or bone surgery
- You have lost teeth to gum disease
- You have implants and a history of periodontitis
- You smoke or have diabetes
Periodontal Maintenance at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, periodontal maintenance is provided by Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein, who brings the expertise of a board-certified periodontist to every maintenance visit. Each appointment includes a thorough measurement of periodontal pocket depths, evaluation of gum tissue health, targeted removal of bacterial deposits above and below the gumline, and assessment for any signs of renewed disease activity. Dr. Geoffrey uses this data to track the patient’s periodontal stability over time and adjust the care plan as needed.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Review. Changes in health, medication and home care are discussed.
- Charting. Pocket depths, bleeding, recession and tooth mobility are recorded.
- Cleaning. Plaque and tartar are removed above and below the gumline.
- Site-specific care. Problem sites receive additional treatment.
- X-rays. Bone levels are checked periodically.
- Plan. The next interval is set.
What we track at each maintenance visit
| Measurement | Healthy range | What a change means |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket depth | 1 to 3 mm | Deeper pockets suggest relapse |
| Bleeding on probing | Few or no sites | Bleeding shows active inflammation |
| Tooth mobility | None | Movement suggests bone loss or bite overload |
| Bone level on X-ray | Stable | Loss means treatment is needed |
Patients who keep their maintenance visits keep their teeth. It is the most consistent finding in periodontal care.
Before and After Your Visit
Getting the most from your appointment
Before your visit
- Bring your cleaning aids if you would like them checked
- Tell us about any tender or bleeding area
- Take your regular medications
After your visit
- Mild tenderness for a day is normal
- Continue daily cleaning between teeth
- Do not extend the interval without discussing it
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- A gum abscess or swelling develops
- A tooth loosens or shifts
- Bleeding returns
How Maintenance Fits with Other Care
Periodontal maintenance is distinct from the routine dental cleanings provided as part of general preventive care. Patients who have undergone scaling and root planing or pocket reduction surgery are transitioned to a maintenance protocol to protect their results. Preventive laser bacterial reduction can be incorporated into maintenance visits for an additional layer of bacterial control below the gumline.
Cost and Insurance
The fee for periodontal treatment depends on how much of the mouth is affected and on whether surgery or grafting is needed. You receive a written estimate after your gum evaluation.
What affects the cost
- The number of teeth or areas treated
- Whether treatment is non-surgical or surgical
- Graft materials and membranes, where used
- Sedation, if you choose it
Many dental plans contribute to gum disease treatment and maintenance. Benefits are often set per quarter of the mouth. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
