Unlike a routine cleaning, periodontal maintenance focuses on preventing gum disease from returning.
Typical steps include:
Periodontal measurements
Measure gum pocket depths around teeth.
Check for bleeding, inflammation, gum recession, and mobility.
Removal of plaque and tartar
Clean both above and below the gumline.
Remove bacterial deposits from periodontal pockets where disease can recur.
Polishing and stain removal
Polish teeth when appropriate to remove surface stains and plaque.
Periodontal maintenance helps:
Prevent gum disease from becoming active again.
Reduce the risk of further bone loss.
Control inflammation and bleeding.
Remove bacteria from areas that are difficult to clean at home.