Healthy gums are essential to maintaining a confident smile and long-term oral health. While brushing and flossing at home are important, they are often not enough for individuals who have experienced gum disease or are at higher risk for periodontal problems. This is where periodontal maintenance becomes critical.
At Implant & Perio Center of Kansas, Dr. Marq J. Sams provides advanced periodontal maintenance care for patients in West Wichita and East Wichita. This ongoing treatment helps protect gum tissue, preserve bone, and prevent the return of periodontal disease.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It typically begins as gingivitis, which causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, leading to gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss.
Many adults do not realize they have periodontal disease because symptoms can be mild or painless in the early stages. Once the disease progresses, it cannot be fully cured. However, it can be effectively managed with professional care and consistent maintenance.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized form of dental cleaning designed for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease or have undergone periodontal treatment. It is not the same as a routine dental cleaning.
This type of maintenance focuses on controlling harmful bacteria below the gumline, where standard brushing and flossing cannot reach. The goal is to prevent the disease from becoming active again and to protect the long-term health of the gums and bone.
Periodontal maintenance is usually recommended after treatments such as scaling and root planing, gum surgery, or dental implant placement.
Why Periodontal Maintenance Is Essential
Because periodontal disease is a chronic condition, ongoing care is necessary to keep it under control. Even after successful treatment, bacteria can quickly recolonize below the gumline.
Regular periodontal maintenance helps to:
- Reduce harmful bacteria that cause inflammation and infection
- Prevent further gum recession and bone loss
- Lower the risk of tooth loss
- Protect existing dental restorations and implants
- Improve overall oral comfort and function
- Support overall health, including cardiovascular and metabolic health
Without periodontal maintenance, gum disease often returns and progresses more rapidly than before.
How Often Is Periodontal Maintenance Needed?
Most patients require periodontal maintenance every three to four months. This frequency is important because harmful bacteria can begin to repopulate the mouth within a few months after cleaning.
Your recommended schedule depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of previous gum disease
- Depth of gum pockets
- Presence of dental implants
- Smoking history
- Medical conditions such as diabetes
Dr. Sams will tailor a maintenance plan based on your individual needs and risk factors.
What to Expect During a Periodontal Maintenance Visit
A periodontal maintenance appointment is more detailed and thorough than a routine cleaning. During your visit at Implant & Perio Center of Kansas, your appointment may include:
- Measuring gum pocket depths to monitor changes
- Evaluation of gum inflammation, bleeding, and recession
- Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Cleaning around dental implants, crowns, and restorations
- Polishing teeth to help reduce bacterial buildup
- Review of oral hygiene techniques and home care habits
These visits also allow your periodontist to detect early signs of disease activity before serious damage occurs.
Periodontal Maintenance vs Routine Dental Cleanings
Many patients ask why periodontal maintenance is different from regular dental cleanings. The difference lies in both purpose and depth of care.
Routine cleanings are preventive and intended for patients with healthy gums. They typically focus on removing plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of the teeth.
Periodontal maintenance is therapeutic. It targets bacteria below the gumline and is necessary for patients with a history of gum disease. It requires more time, advanced instrumentation, and closer monitoring.
Skipping periodontal maintenance and switching back to routine cleanings can allow gum disease to worsen without obvious symptoms.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Maintenance
You may benefit from periodontal maintenance if you experience or have a history of:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Gum recession or exposed tooth roots
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Swollen or tender gums
- Previous treatment for periodontal disease
If you are unsure whether periodontal maintenance is right for you, a periodontal evaluation can provide clarity.
Periodontal Maintenance and Dental Implants
For patients with dental implants, periodontal maintenance is especially important. Implants rely on healthy gum tissue and bone for long-term success.
Without proper maintenance, bacteria can cause peri-implant disease, which may lead to bone loss and implant failure. Specialized cleaning techniques are used to protect implant surfaces while keeping surrounding tissue healthy.
Regular periodontal maintenance helps preserve your investment in dental implants and reduces the risk of complications.
At-Home Care Between Maintenance Visits
Professional care works best when combined with consistent home care. To support healthy gums between periodontal maintenance visits, patients are encouraged to:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use proper brushing techniques along the gumline
- Floss daily or use interdental brushes
- Consider antimicrobial rinses if recommended
- Avoid tobacco products
- Manage systemic conditions such as diabetes
Good daily habits help reduce inflammation and make professional cleanings more effective.
The Link Between Gum Health and Overall Health
Research continues to show a strong connection between periodontal disease and overall health. Chronic gum inflammation has been linked to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues.
By maintaining healthy gums through periodontal maintenance, patients are not only protecting their smiles but also supporting their overall well-being.
Periodontal Care in Wichita, KS
At Implant & Perio Center of Kansas, Dr. Sams provides comprehensive periodontal maintenance and gum disease management for adults throughout Wichita. With convenient locations in West Wichita and East Wichita, patients receive specialized care in a comfortable, professional setting.
Whether you have been treated for gum disease, have dental implants, or want to protect your oral health long-term, periodontal maintenance is an essential part of your care plan.
Schedule Your Periodontal Maintenance Appointment
Healthy gums require ongoing attention. If you have a history of periodontal disease or want to learn more about periodontal maintenance, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sams.
With consistent care and expert guidance, you can maintain healthy gums, protect your smile, and enjoy better oral health for years to come.