Treating gum disease can sometimes feel like a marathon instead of a sprint. Gum disease treatment, such as scaling and root planing, is a crucial first step, but the battle isn’t over once treatment is complete. Periodontitis is a chronic issue that can only be controlled with ongoing care. Without regular cleanings, gum disease will return and ultimately reverse any progress made from surgery or treatment.

Patients need more than just routine dental cleanings after gum disease treatment. Regular periodontal maintenance is essential for managing the issue long-term. You can think of periodontal maintenance as a “dental deep cleaning.” This process eliminates bacteria from underneath the gum line, which helps your gums remain clean and healthy. Maintenance cleanings need to occur more frequently than regular dental cleanings, since harmful gum disease bacteria can return quickly; however, they help protect the gums and jaw from reinfection.

At Tomoka Periodontal and Implant Dentistry, our team of expert periodontists provides periodontal maintenance across all of our locations in the Daytona Beach area. We’ll tell you all about preventative maintenance and the ongoing care needed after gum disease treatment as well as what you can expect along the way.

How Periodontal Maintenance Is Different From Routine Cleanings

Many people assume that once gum disease treatment is completed, a patient can resume regular dental cleanings every six months. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In order to prevent gum disease from recurring, patients need specialized periodontal maintenance to prevent bacteria from regrowing.

Here is how periodontal maintenance is different than routine cleanings:

• Routine Dental Cleanings:These cleanings are performed by your primary dentist every six months and focus on removing surface plaque and tartar above the gum line, polishing, and flossing.
• Periodontal Maintenance: These cleanings are specifically designed for patients with a history of gum disease. They involve a more thorough cleaning above and below the gum line, ongoing monitoring of gum pockets, and early intervention if signs of reinfection appear. These dental deep cleanings may be necessary every 3 to 4 months following gum disease treatment.

Patients who only receive standard cleanings after gum disease may not get the depth of care required to control bacteria buildup going forward, which may ultimately reverse any progress gained from gum disease treatment.

Why Periodontal Maintenance Is Critical After Treatment

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition. While surgery or treatment can help eliminate infection and control the problem, gum disease remains an ongoing oral health condition that needs long-term management. Bacteria can recolonize within weeks after treatment, and this is why frequent periodontal maintenance as a gum disease follow-up is absolutely critical for preventing gum infection.

Without periodontal maintenance, patients face increased risks of:

• Recurring Gum Infection: Harmful bacteria can return within a few weeks or months, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and damage to supporting tissues. This may require additional surgery or treatment.
• Bone Loss:Patients suffering from gum disease or tooth loss have a higher risk of experiencing atrophy in the jaw. Rapid reinfection can accelerate bone density loss, which can lead to further tooth loss.
• Systemic Health Risks: Gum disease isn’t only an oral health condition. The ongoing inflammation caused by periodontitis has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, and even brain function. This is why it’s so important to prevent ongoing inflammation.
• Surgery: Traditional gum disease surgery isn’t pleasant, and nobody wants to go through it multiple times. Periodontal maintenance can prevent the need for repeated invasive surgeries.

How Often Is Periodontal Maintenance Needed?

Consistent deep cleanings are the key to keeping gum disease under control, but many patients wonder how often they’ll need to visit the office. In many cases, waiting six months or longer between cleanings leaves too much time for bacteria to regrow; therefore, deep cleaning aftercare is essential, and most patients will need periodontal maintenance every three to four months.

However, the exact timeframe depends on several factors, including the severity of gum disease, healing response after treatment, oral hygiene habits at home, and the presence of any risk factors such as smoking or diabetes.

At Tomoka Periodontal and Implant Dentistry, we create custom periodontal maintenance plans specific to every patient’s unique needs. Our goal is to do everything possible to help patients preserve their smiles and maintain good long-term gum health.

For periodontal maintenance, Daytona Beach area residents trust the most, count on the dental experts at Tomoka Periodontal and Implant Dentistry. If you’ve recently completed gum disease treatment and need periodontal maintenance, schedule your appointment today so you can keep your gums and smile healthy.