When it comes to periodontitis, there’s no easy way out those who’ve battled gum disease are likely already aware of that. Periodontitis is more than a dental issue; it’s a chronic condition that requires ongoing periodontal maintenance in New York to keep it at bay.
Unlike routine cleanings, patients with a history of periodontitis need specialized, more regular, and thorough care. But how often should these visits occur, and why are they necessary?
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a tailored dental care program for individuals who’ve experienced gum disease. It involves more frequent and thorough cleanings than standard prophylaxis (routine dental cleanings) to prevent the recurrence of this disease.
Periodontitis is not a one-time infection that disappears with treatment; it’s a chronic inflammatory disease. Even after successful therapy, harmful bacteria can recolonize the gums within just 90 days. Without regular intervention, the disease can progress silently, leading to further bone and tooth loss.
Luckily, simple periodontal maintenance visits can help prevent all of that. During these visits, the dentist or a dental hygienist will remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can reinfect gums and bone, keeping your smile healthy and free of disease.
How Is Periodontal Maintenance Different from Routine Cleanings?
While a standard cleaning focuses on the visible surfaces of the teeth and gum line, periodontal maintenance includes cleaning below the gum line, monitoring gum pocket depths, and assessing bone loss.
How Often Should You Get Periodontal Cleanings?
For patients with a history of gum disease, periodontal check-ups are recommended every 3 to 4 months. This interval is based on how quickly pathogenic bacteria can repopulate periodontal pockets and resume causing damage.
Some patients with stable conditions may be advised to come in every four months. Others especially those with ongoing inflammation, diabetes, or smoking habits might need more frequent visits every 2 “3 months.
However, this should be determined by a dental professional after closely monitoring your condition for an extended period. Other factors that impact your ideal maintenance schedule include:
- Severity of previous gum disease
- Pocket depth measurements
- Bone level and attachment loss
- Bleeding on probing
- Pre-existing systemic health conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease)
- Smoking or vaping habits
- Oral hygiene at home
- Genetic predisposition
No two patients are alike. What’s critical is adhering to the schedule recommended by your provider to maintain control over the disease.
What to Expect During a Periodontal Maintenance Visit
A periodontal maintenance appointment typically includes:
1. Comprehensive Examination
Your dentist will start by evaluating your gum health, looking for signs of gingivitis. We will use probing tools to measure the depth of your periodontal pockets and assess factors such as bleeding and inflammation through a visual examination.
If necessary, X-rays will be conducted to monitor levels. It is also important to tell us about your personal experiences during this check-up. Please let us know if you’ve noticed any loose teeth or changes in your bite lately.
2. Deep Cleaning Below the Gumline
The next step in your periodontal maintenance is to remove any plaque or tartar that has accumulated over time. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on teeth due to bacteria feeding on sugars from food, producing acids that can damage tooth enamel. If not removed promptly, it hardens into tartar or dental calculus, which requires professional cleaning and cannot be eliminated with regular brushing.
Your dental professional will target any plaque and calculus that has built up above and below the gum line. Then, we conduct a procedure called scaling. By polishing and smoothing the root surfaces, we make it more difficult for bacteria to reattach. The final step is to apply a localized antibiotic gel, if necessary.
3. Tailored Home Care Instructions
Periodontal maintenance doesn’t end at the dental office. If you have a history of gum disease, you also need to supplement your at-home care efforts to control the disease and keep the bacteria at bay. We recommend the following:
- Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between teeth daily with floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers
- Consider antimicrobial rinses as recommended by your provider
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods that feed harmful bacteria
- Eat a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods: leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and whole grains
- Quit smoking or vaping, if it applies
Additionally, pay attention to signs of recurring gum infections, such as bleeding gums, gum recession, or persistent bad breath. If you notice any of these, make sure to reach out to a dental provider right away!
Does Insurance Cover Periodontal Maintenance?
Many dental insurance plans cover periodontal maintenance under their periodontal benefits, especially if it’s medically necessary and documented by your provider. However, coverage typically limits the number of visits per year often two to four.
It’s wise to:
- Check your individual policy details
- Ask your provider to submit a pre-authorization
The Role of Periodontal Maintenance in Your Overall Health
Managing gum disease isn’t just about preserving your smile it’s essential for your entire body’s health. Chronic inflammation from untreated gum disease has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s. The harmful bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and affecting organs far beyond the mouth.
By controlling gum disease through regular periodontal maintenance and excellent oral hygiene, you’re not only protecting your teeth you’re also supporting your immune system, reducing health risks, and promoting better long-term wellness.
Get Regular Periodontal Maintenance in New York for Gum Disease!
If you’ve had gum disease in the past, regular dental cleanings every six months may not be sufficient. Professional periodontal maintenance every three to four months is the gold standard to ensure your gums and bones stay healthy and free of infection.
We know that life in New York moves fast, and that oral health can be easily overlooked. However, having a consistent periodontal care routine is more important than ever. Are you due for a check-up? Contact Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein to schedule an appointment!
