Scottsville Family Dentistry

General Dentistry

Periodontal Maintenance

If you've been treated for gum disease, this is the visit that keeps it from coming back.

Periodontal maintenance is a more thorough cleaning designed for patients who have had gum disease in the past. Once gums have been treated — usually with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing — they need regular care to stay healthy.

At Scottsville Family Dentistry, Dr. Azevedo and Dr. Lee work closely with your hygienist to track the health of your gums over time. We measure pocket depths, check for bleeding, and clean above and below the gum line. Most periodontal maintenance patients are seen every three to four months rather than every six.

It is steady, quiet work — but it is the difference between losing teeth to gum disease and keeping them for life. We treat patients across the tri-county area who have made this commitment to their gum health.

Why it matters

  • ✓Keeps treated gum disease from coming back
  • ✓Protects the bone that holds your teeth in place
  • ✓Catches new problem areas early, when they are easy to address
  • ✓Tied to better overall health — gum disease is linked to heart and diabetes risk

Questions we hear

How often do I need periodontal maintenance?+
Most patients come in every three to four months. The exact interval depends on how stable your gums have been. We will set a schedule that fits your situation and review it at each visit.
Is this the same as a regular cleaning?+
No. A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is for healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance is more thorough — we clean below the gum line, monitor pocket depths, and check for any return of disease.
Will my insurance cover it?+
Most dental plans cover periodontal maintenance, though some have specific frequency limits. We will check your coverage and tell you what to expect before your visit.