Periodontal Maintenance

Supportive Periodontal Care

Periodontal maintenance therapy is an in-office program designed to maintain results after treatment. When the active phase of your periodontal treatment is completed, a personalized maintenance interval schedule of care will be recommended to keep your gums healthy.  Remember, the most important factor in maintaining periodontal health is effective, daily home care.

Why is supportive periodontal care important?

The dental plaque bacteria is constantly forming and producing toxins, or poisons, which attack your gums and teeth. Unless plaque is removed, it hardens into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Daily brushing and flossing will help to minimize the formation of calculus, but it won’t completely prevent it. Bacterial plaque tends to mature approximately 12 weeks after your last professional periodontal maintenance. A dental visit to remove the hardened plaque, at appropriate individualized time intervals, is important to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy.

What is the relationship between your dentist and your periodontist?

Your dentist and Dr. Nehring or Dr. Terry work together as a team to provide you with the best possible care. They combine their experience to formulate the best maintenance plan for you. They keep each other informed about your progress. Although a periodontist may see you periodically for maintenance therapy, you will need to see your general dentist as well. Appointments for periodontal maintenance do not replace regular dental checkups. If your doctor detects tooth decay during a maintenance visit, you will be referred to your general dentist for treatment. Your general dentist is primarily responsible for your overall dental health, including dental needs such as new or recurrent cavities,  fillings, crowns or bridges.

To control periodontal disease, and maintain your natural teeth for your lifetime—carefully and conscientiously follow the guidelines of the maintenance program that Drs. Nehring or Terry recommend. Protecting your periodontal health through preventive maintenance has great benefits for you including prevention of future problems. Your commitment to maintenance therapy is your commitment to better oral and general health.