Periodontal Maintenance
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE?
Gum disease does not disappear after treatment. Periodontal maintenance is how you keep it from coming back.
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized continuing care program designed for patients who have been treated for gum disease and whose condition has been brought under control through active therapy such as scaling and root planing. Unlike a standard prophylaxis, which is appropriate for patients with healthy gums, periodontal maintenance addresses the specific clinical environment of a patient with a history of periodontal disease, including deeper pockets, treated root surfaces, and a higher baseline risk of disease recurrence. At LUMI Dental in Boca Raton, periodontal maintenance is a precision clinical protocol, not simply a more frequent cleaning.
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition. Even after successful active treatment, the bacteria responsible for the disease remain present in the oral environment and can re-colonize the treated pockets if professional maintenance is not kept up consistently. Research consistently demonstrates that patients who adhere to a regular periodontal maintenance schedule maintain their clinical gains over time, while those who do not return to a state of active disease within months. At LUMI Dental, we take this clinical reality seriously and build your maintenance schedule around it.
BENEFITS OF PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE
- Prevents recurrence of active periodontal disease following successful scaling and root planing.
- Removes bacterial deposits from subgingival pockets before they can cause further bone loss.
- Pocket depths and gum health are re-evaluated at every visit to detect early signs of recurrence.
- Scheduled every three to four months for most periodontal patients, the interval supported by clinical evidence.
- Protects the investment you made in your active periodontal treatment.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING A PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE TREATMENT?
A periodontal maintenance appointment at LUMI Dental takes approximately one hour. We begin with an updated health history review and a full periodontal assessment, including probing of all pocket depths and documentation of any changes since the previous visit. We then perform thorough subgingival debridement of all treated areas using a combination of ultrasonic and hand instruments, followed by polishing and irrigation. We review your home care, discuss any areas of concern, and update your care plan as needed. Your dentist reviews the clinical findings at each visit.
OUR APPROACH TO PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE
At LUMI Dental, periodontal maintenance reflects our understanding that gum disease is a chronic condition that requires lifetime management, not a one-time cure. We calibrate the maintenance interval to your specific disease history, risk factors, and response to therapy. We track pocket depths, bone levels, and tissue appearance at every appointment and use those records to make evidence based adjustments to your care plan over time. Our goal is stable, long term health, and we structure every maintenance visit to support that goal.
Your smile deserves attention today, not tomorrow.
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VIEW ALL TESTIMONIALFrequently Asked Questions LUMI Dental
How is periodontal maintenance different from a regular cleaning?
A regular prophylaxis is for patients with healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance is a more intensive clinical protocol for patients with a history of gum disease, involving subgingival debridement, periodontal re evaluation, and a more frequent visit schedule.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance visits?
Most periodontal patients benefit from maintenance every three to four months. The appropriate interval is determined by the severity of your disease history and your clinical response to treatment.
What happens if I skip periodontal maintenance appointments?
Research shows that gum disease recurs rapidly when maintenance is discontinued. Patients who skip visits consistently are at significant risk of returning to active disease, progressive bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.
Is periodontal maintenance covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal maintenance, typically at a different benefit level than a standard prophylaxis. We verify your specific benefits and provide a clear cost summary before your appointment.
Will I ever be able to go back to a regular cleaning?
Once a patient has a diagnosis of periodontal disease, the standard of care typically recommends continuing periodontal maintenance indefinitely. In some cases with very mild disease and an excellent response to treatment, a return to prophylaxis may be discussed on a case-by-case basis.