Periodontal maintenance therapy is not the same treatment as a regular cleaning, even though a hygienist may perform both services. After a patient has been successfully treated for periodontal disease, either with root planing or surgery, a maintenance phase is begun to maintain the results. A standard cleaning includes cleaning and polishing above the gumline. A person who has periodontal disease requires maintenance below the gumline as well. Typically, an interval of three months between appointments is effective in maintaining periodontal health. As in many other chronic conditions, successful long-term control of the disease and prevention of tooth loss depends on continual, and possibly lifetime maintenance. 

What to Expect 
It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention. Our team at Clearwater Periodontics and Implant dentistry will help you to create an at-home hygiene plan customized to you!

Follow-Ups 
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to to monitor the status of your periodontal condition. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line. Periodontal disease is a condition that requires constant vigilance to keep it under control. Adequate home care procedures and the maintenance visits are crucial in this regard. We are committed to helping you do what is needed to keep your teeth! Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!