Periodontal Maintenance at Sandgate Family Dental

Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing care programme for patients with a history of gum disease. It involves more detailed cleaning, more frequent visits, and close monitoring of gum health — all aimed at keeping stabilised gum disease stable over the long term.

If you have been told you have gum disease, or you have completed a course of gum treatment in the past, this is the type of visit that helps protect that work. Book an appointment online or call the practice.

Why patients are placed on periodontal maintenance

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. Once it has progressed beyond simple gingivitis, the supporting tissues do not fully return to their original state — the goal of care shifts to stabilising the condition and preventing further loss.

You may be on a periodontal maintenance schedule if you have:

Completed active gum treatment such as deep cleaning under the gum line
Periodontal pockets that need ongoing monitoring
A history of bone loss visible on X-rays
Persistent gum recession or tooth mobility
Risk factors that influence gum health, such as smoking or diabetes
Dental implants that need careful long-term care — see our implant aftercare information

For background on the condition itself, see our information on gum disease treatment.

How periodontal maintenance differs from a routine scale and clean

A standard scale and clean focuses on the tooth surface and gum line, and suits patients with generally healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance goes further:

Cleaning extends below the gum line to remove plaque and calculus from within periodontal pockets.
Pocket depths are measured at multiple sites around each tooth to track changes over time.
Visits are more frequent — typically every three to four months rather than six-monthly.
Appointments are longer to allow for the additional cleaning and monitoring.
Home care is reviewed in detail, including interdental brushes, floss technique, and any prescription rinses.

The aim is not to “cure” gum disease — it is to keep it stable, protect the bone you have, and slow further changes.

About the appointment

A periodontal maintenance visit is a careful, structured appointment. Most run for around 45 to 60 minutes.

1. Updated medical history

We will ask about general health, medications, and any changes since your last visit. Conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy, and certain medications influence gum health, and we adjust care accordingly.

2. Periodontal charting

Six points around each tooth are gently checked with a small probe to measure pocket depths and bleeding. The results are recorded and compared with previous visits.

3. Detailed scaling above and below the gum line

Ultrasonic and hand instruments are used to remove plaque and calculus from inside the pockets as well as the visible tooth surface. Local anaesthetic is available if any areas are sensitive.

4. Polish and antimicrobial measures

After scaling, a polish removes surface staining and smooths the tooth. We may also apply a topical fluoride or recommend an antimicrobial mouthrinse depending on your situation.

5. Tailored home care plan

We will work through which tools are right for you — interdental brushes of the correct size, floss, single-tufted brushes, or a water flosser. The right home care is what makes the biggest difference between visits.

6. Review and recall planning

Together we set the next recall interval — usually three or four months — and flag any sites that may need closer attention or a referral to a specialist periodontist.

Why early and ongoing care matters

Periodontal disease is usually slow and silent. Many patients have no pain even when significant bone loss is present. Ongoing maintenance helps in several ways:

It reduces the bacterial load that drives the disease
It helps the tissues stay firmer and less inflamed
It allows small changes to be picked up early
It supports the longevity of restorations, crowns, and implants
It contributes to general health, given the recognised links between gum inflammation and conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Outcomes vary and depend strongly on home care, smoking status, general health, and how regularly maintenance visits are kept.

Who periodontal maintenance may suit

This type of care is generally appropriate for patients who have:

Been diagnosed with chronic periodontitis
Completed active periodontal treatment
A family history of significant gum disease and early signs of pocketing
Implants placed in a previously periodontally compromised mouth
Risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or immunosuppression

If your gums are generally healthy and you do not have a history of bone loss, a routine scale and clean is usually more appropriate. Your dentist will recommend the right approach for you.

Health funds and payment

Sandgate Family Dental is a HICAPS provider. Where you have eligible cover for periodontal care, we can process the claim at the practice and you only need to pay any gap.

Rebates vary by policy and annual limits. Item numbers commonly used at periodontal maintenance visits include 114 (removal of calculus), 222 (treatment of periodontal pocket per tooth), and 121 (topical fluoride). Your fund can confirm your entitlements before treatment. See our preventive cover information for more.

Periodontal maintenance FAQs

How often will I need to come in?

Most patients on periodontal maintenance are seen every three to four months. Some stable patients move to every six months over time; some need closer intervals during active phases.

Is periodontal maintenance the same as a “deep clean”?

No. A deep clean (scaling and root planing) is part of active gum treatment. Periodontal maintenance is the ongoing care that follows once the disease is stabilised.

Will I need local anaesthetic?

Sometimes. If certain areas are tender or pockets are deeper, a small amount of local anaesthetic keeps the visit comfortable. Many maintenance visits are completed without it.

Does it ever go back to a regular clean?

If your gums stabilise over the long term and home care is well established, your dentist may discuss extending the interval. The decision is based on your charting, X-rays, and risk profile.

Can I still get gum disease if I have implants?

Yes. The tissues around implants can develop peri-implant inflammation in a similar way. Maintenance visits include checking around implants and reinforcing home care.

Will smoking affect the outcome?

Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors for progression of gum disease and reduces how well the gums respond to care. We are happy to discuss support options if you are thinking of cutting down or stopping.

What if I have not had a clean in years?

That is fine. We will start with a careful assessment, often spread initial cleaning across two visits, and build the maintenance plan from there.

Related information

Book your next maintenance visit

Keeping to your maintenance schedule is the single most useful thing you can do to protect the gum work you have already had done. Book an appointment online or phone the practice to arrange your next visit.