After successfully treating active periodontal disease with scaling and root planing, the journey to lasting oral health continues. Periodontal maintenance is a crucial ongoing program designed specifically for patients with a history of gum disease. At Mai Dentistry, these specialized cleanings are key to managing your condition, preventing a relapse, and protecting the investment you’ve made in your smile.
Maintaining Your Gum Health for a Lasting Smile
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What is Periodontal Maintenance?
Unlike a standard cleaning, periodontal maintenance is a therapeutic treatment designed to keep chronic gum disease under control. Once you have been diagnosed with periodontitis, you are more susceptible to its recurrence. These appointments, typically scheduled every three to four months, are essential for preventing harmful bacteria from recolonizing below the gumline and causing further damage to your gums and bone.
How This Differs from a Regular Cleaning
It’s important to understand the distinction between a regular cleaning (prophylaxis) and periodontal maintenance. A regular cleaning focuses on the visible surfaces of your teeth and is designed to prevent disease in a healthy mouth. Periodontal maintenance is for patients who have already been treated for gum disease. It involves cleaning deeper below the gumline, disrupting bacterial growth in periodontal pockets, and carefully monitoring your gum health to ensure the disease remains inactive.
Your Ongoing Care Plan
During your periodontal maintenance visit, our dedicated hygienists will meticulously clean your teeth both above and below the gumline. We will also measure the depth of your periodontal pockets, assess your gum health, and review your home care routine. This ongoing partnership between you and our dental team is the most effective way to manage periodontitis and prevent it from advancing, helping you preserve your teeth for a lifetime.
Stay on the Path to Lasting Oral Health
Consistent periodontal maintenance is vital for protecting your smile. By adhering to your recommended cleaning schedule, you can prevent the recurrence of gum disease and enjoy a healthy, stable smile. Contact one of our convenient locations in St. Petersburg, Land O’ Lakes, or Hudson to schedule your next maintenance visit with the Mai Dentistry team.