A person's periodontal health can largely be determined by the oral hygiene habits they practice. While most people brush their teeth daily and floss once a day, some skip these important steps and instead opt for tooth-cleaning instruments. While tooth-cleaning instruments are easy to use, they often require more precision and control for effective oral care. Periodontal maintenance is vital for overall oral health. The periodontal system is an intricate network of tissues that supports and protects teeth from disease-causing bacteria and plaque by keeping gums healthy and free from plaque-forming debris. Overall health depends on how well your periodontal health is doing. The more plaque and bacteria you have in your mouth, the more likely you will experience oral disease and tooth loss. Regular periodontal maintenance allows you to keep your teeth clean, healthy, and strong so that any oral disease can be spotted early on and treated with regular dental visits. What Is Periodontal Maintenance? Periodontal maintenance is a deep cleaning procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to help prevent and treat periodontal disease. The procedure is specially designed for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontitis, which is a serious gum infection caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar. The goal of periodontal maintenance is to control the infection and prevent it from progressing, which can lead to tooth loss. It is designed to remove plaque and tartar, a bacterial buildup that can accumulate above and below the gum line, and to smooth the surface of the roots to make it difficult for bacteria to reattach. The procedure also includes monitoring the patient's overall periodontal health, including checking for signs of inflammation, bleeding, and pockets. It is typically performed after initial treatment, such as scaling and root planing, and is a crucial part of ongoing care for patients with periodontitis. What Happens During Periodontal Maintenance? During a periodontal maintenance appointment, the dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar buildup, both above and below the gum line. This procedure is crucial to preventing the spread of periodontal disease as it removes bacteria and prevents the colonization of bacteria on the gum tissue, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. In addition to the cleaning procedures, periodontal maintenance includes a review of any changes in the patient's overall health or medications, as well as the application of antimicrobial or antibiotic creams in the gum pockets as needed to promote healthy and fast healing. This is done to help prevent infection recurrence and reduce inflammation. The dental hygienist will also provide oral hygiene instructions to help the patient maintain good oral hygiene at home. It's essential to follow the dentist or hygienist's instructions and keep regular periodontal maintenance appointments to keep the disease under control and prevent it from progressing. How Often Do You Need Periodontal Maintenance? The frequency of periodontal maintenance appointments varies depending on the severity of the periodontal disease, overall oral health, and the individual patient's needs. Generally, patients with mild to moderate periodontal disease should visit their dentist or dental hygienist at least three times a year or every 3-4 months for periodontal maintenance. For patients with more severe periodontal disease, the appointments may be scheduled every 2-3 months. This is because, after cleaning, bacteria will begin to form on the gums and teeth almost immediately. Removing the bacteria beneath the gum line frequently can help control inflammation and halt the progression of the disease. It's important to note that periodontal disease is a chronic condition, it's not possible to completely reverse it. However, with proper treatment, including periodontal maintenance, it can be controlled and managed to preserve the patient's natural teeth and improve their overall oral health. It's essential to follow the dentist or hygienist's recommendations and keep regular periodontal maintenance appointments and maintain good oral hygiene at home. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. By doing so, it helps to keep the disease under control, prevent it from progressing, and preserve natural teeth. How Much Does Periodontal Maintenance Cost? The cost of periodontal maintenance can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the amount of plaque and tartar involved, the dentist or dental hygienist performing the procedure, the use of anesthesia or sedation during the procedure, and the extent of the treatment required. In general, the cost of periodontal maintenance may include the cost of the cleaning procedure and any additional treatments, such as antimicrobial or antibiotic therapy. On average, periodontal maintenance can cost anywhere from one to a few thousand dollars, depending on the individual case. The charges for periodontal maintenance can start at one hundred to several hundred dollars per quadrant and can go up to over one thousand. Additional costs, such as antibiotic injections to speed healing, are usually around under a hundred per tooth (for adults). The course of treatment can average between several hundred and a little over a thousand but can be higher or lower depending on the extent of the treatment required. It's worth noting that most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost of periodontal maintenance. However, coverage and cost can vary depending on the individual plan. It's essential to check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered and what the out-of-pocket cost will be. It's also important to note that the cost of periodontal maintenance is usually less than the cost of more advanced treatments that may be necessary if the disease is not controlled. Therefore, keeping up with regular maintenance appointments can save you money in the long run. The Bottom Line Periodontal maintenance is a great way to keep your teeth healthy and strong. It is a critical factor in the long-term success of both periodontal and dental implant therapy. It is considered a prescribed treatment rather than preventative care that helps ensure you don't get gum disease and other oral health issues. Studies have shown that the frequency of supportive periodontal therapy recall visits is associated with fewer teeth extracted and a better overall prognosis for periodontal health. The specialty includes maintenance of the health, function, and aesthetics of the structures surrounding the teeth, as well as the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of these structures in order to make the treatment of periodontal diseases more effective. By scheduling regular visits with your dentist, you can ensure your gums stay strong while preventing problems like tooth decay and loss of bone around your teeth.