Periodontal Maintenance in Skokie, IL
Once periodontal disease has been diagnosed and treated, ongoing maintenance is essential to keep it under control and prevent it from progressing. At CityView Family Dentistry, Dr. Patrick C. Hann and our hygiene team provide comprehensive periodontal maintenance visits tailored specifically for patients who have a history of gum disease.
Periodontal maintenance is not the same as a routine cleaning. These visits are more thorough, more frequent, and specifically designed to monitor your gum health, remove bacterial deposits from deep within the pockets, and prevent the recurrence of active periodontal disease.
Request an AppointmentWhat Happens During a Periodontal Maintenance Visit?
During your periodontal maintenance appointment at CityView Family Dentistry, our team will:
- Update your medical and dental history to account for any changes that may affect your treatment
- Perform a comprehensive periodontal examination, including updated probing depths at each tooth
- Compare current findings to previous records to assess whether the disease is stable or progressing
- Perform a thorough cleaning above and below the gumline, including scaling to remove calculus deposits from within the pockets
- Polish tooth surfaces to remove stains and bacterial plaque
- Provide personalized home care recommendations based on your current status
- Evaluate bite alignment, existing restorations, and any signs of new decay
Dr. Hann will review your periodontal status at each visit and determine whether your disease is stable or whether additional treatment — such as a return to active scaling and root planing — is needed.
How Often Should You Come In for Periodontal Maintenance?
Most patients with a history of periodontal disease require maintenance cleanings every three to four months. This more frequent schedule is not arbitrary — studies consistently show that the bacteria responsible for gum disease repopulate treated pockets within approximately 90 days. Keeping your maintenance schedule prevents this recolonization and maintains the stability achieved through treatment.
Standard six-month intervals between cleanings are not sufficient for periodontal patients. Skipping or delaying maintenance appointments significantly increases the risk of recurrence and further bone loss.
Maintenance Is a Long-Term Commitment
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. While active treatment such as scaling and root planing can reduce pocket depths and stabilize the disease, it does not cure it. Maintenance visits, combined with excellent daily home care, are what keep the disease in remission and protect your teeth for the long term.
Between visits, brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss at least once per day. If recommended, use adjunctive aids such as an electric toothbrush, water flosser, or antimicrobial rinse.
Call (773) 631-5788 to schedule your next periodontal maintenance visit at CityView Family Dentistry in Skokie, IL.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Maintenance
What is periodontal maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning program for patients with a history of gum disease. Unlike routine cleanings, these visits include thorough above- and below-gumline scaling, updated probing measurements, and close monitoring to prevent recurrence of active disease.
How is periodontal maintenance different from a regular cleaning?
A regular prophylaxis cleaning is appropriate for patients with healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance is more comprehensive, involves updated diagnostic assessments, and specifically targets the bacterial deposits within periodontal pockets.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance visits?
Most periodontal patients need maintenance every three to four months. This frequency reflects the roughly 90-day cycle at which disease-causing bacteria repopulate treated pockets.
What happens if I skip periodontal maintenance appointments?
Skipping maintenance significantly increases the risk of disease recurrence and further bone loss. Gum disease can progress quickly without regular professional care.
Do I still need to see my regular dentist if I’m on a periodontal maintenance schedule?
Your periodontal maintenance visits at CityView Family Dentistry serve as your comprehensive dental checkups as well. Dr. Hann will examine for new decay and other oral health concerns at each visit.
Will I need active treatment again after periodontal maintenance?
It depends on how the disease responds to maintenance over time. If pockets deepen or disease becomes active again, Dr. Hann may recommend returning to active periodontal treatment for affected areas.
How do I schedule a periodontal maintenance appointment at CityView Family Dentistry?
Call CityView Family Dentistry at (773) 631-5788 to schedule your next periodontal maintenance visit. Consistent appointments are the key to keeping your gum disease in remission.