Periodontal Maintenance
Ongoing cleaning and monitoring visits designed to keep gum disease from returning after initial treatment.Keeping Gum Disease Under Control
After completing initial gum disease treatment such as scaling and root planing, the next step is an ongoing maintenance program to keep the disease from returning. Periodontal maintenance visits at New Image Advanced Dental in Trinidad, CO are specifically designed for patients with a history of gum disease. They go deeper than a standard cleaning and include careful monitoring of your gum health over time.
Gum disease is a chronic condition. Just as patients with diabetes need ongoing management, patients who have had periodontal treatment need regular maintenance to prevent recurrence and protect the bone and tissue that support their teeth.
What to Expect During a Maintenance Visit
Each periodontal maintenance appointment includes a thorough cleaning above and below the gumline, removal of any plaque or calculus that has accumulated since your last visit, and an evaluation of your gum tissue. Our hygienist measures pocket depths around each tooth to track changes over time and identify any areas that may need additional attention.
Monitoring Your Progress
Dr. Wilson reviews your periodontal charting at each visit, comparing current measurements to previous records. This allows us to detect any signs of disease progression early and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Stable or improving measurements mean your maintenance program is working.
Your Role in Maintenance
The success of periodontal maintenance depends on a partnership between you and our team. Consistent daily brushing and flossing, keeping all scheduled maintenance appointments, and following any home care recommendations from Dr. Wilson are all essential to keeping your gums healthy long-term.
If you have been treated for gum disease, consistent maintenance is the key to keeping your results. Call 719-846-7387 or request an appointment online to schedule your next maintenance visit. We serve patients from Trinidad, Walsenburg, Raton, and across Southern Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is a more thorough cleaning designed for patients with a history of gum disease. It includes cleaning above and below the gumline, measuring pocket depths, monitoring bone levels, and assessing the overall health of your gum tissue. Regular cleanings focus primarily on surfaces above the gumline.
Most patients with a history of gum disease benefit from maintenance visits every three to four months. This schedule prevents bacteria from recolonizing deep pockets and causing new damage. Dr. Wilson will recommend a frequency based on your individual response to treatment.
In some cases, patients whose gum disease has been well-controlled for an extended period may transition to a less frequent schedule. However, gum disease is a chronic condition, and most patients benefit from ongoing periodontal maintenance to prevent recurrence.
Many dental insurance plans cover periodontal maintenance visits, often at the same frequency as regular cleanings. Our front desk team will verify your coverage and help you understand your benefits.
Stay Ahead of Gum Disease
Regular maintenance keeps your gums healthy and prevents costly retreatment. Request your appointment today.