Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, ongoing care is essential to protect your teeth and prevent further progression. At Valley Dental Care, we offer gum disease maintenance appointments to help patients manage gum health after scaling and root planing or other periodontal treatment. These visits go beyond routine cleanings — they’re designed to keep inflammation under control and support long-term oral wellness.
What Is Gum Disease Maintenance?
Specialized Care After Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease maintenance is a preventive treatment performed at regular intervals to manage chronic gum disease. It’s typically recommended after you’ve undergone deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) for moderate to advanced periodontitis. These appointments focus on removing plaque and tartar from deep pockets, monitoring gum health, and preventing reinfection.
While a standard cleaning targets areas above the gumline, gum disease maintenance also addresses buildup below the surface — where bacteria can cause inflammation and bone loss if left untreated. Learn more about how gum disease progresses from the CDC.
Why Gum Disease Maintenance Is Important
Managing a Lifelong Condition
Gum disease is a chronic condition, and without consistent follow-up care, it often returns. Gum disease maintenance is essential to:
- Control the bacterial load in deep gum pockets
- Prevent further gum and bone deterioration
- Maintain the results of past periodontal therapy
- Protect the longevity of your natural teeth
Even if your symptoms improve, gum disease does not fully “go away.” That’s why ongoing care is so important for long-term success. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, early intervention and regular maintenance are key to preventing tooth loss.
What Happens During a Maintenance Visit?
Deeper Cleaning and Close Monitoring
At each visit, we assess your gum health and perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria both above and below the gumline. You can expect:
- Gum pocket measurements to track changes or improvement
- Removal of buildup in areas standard cleanings can’t reach
- Evaluation of inflammation, bleeding, or gum recession
- Polishing and recommendations for at-home care
We may also take periodic X-rays to monitor bone levels around your teeth and check for areas that need additional attention. Learn more about diagnosing and treating periodontitis from Mayo Clinic.
How Often Do I Need Maintenance?
Frequency Based on Your Risk Level
Most patients with a history of periodontitis need maintenance every 3 to 4 months. This schedule helps interrupt the cycle of bacteria buildup before it can lead to more damage. We’ll tailor your visit frequency based on your specific needs, overall health, and how well your gums respond to treatment.
Regular dental cleanings every 6 months are usually not enough for those with chronic gum disease.
Who Needs Gum Disease Maintenance?
Recognizing the Signs and Risks
If you’ve been treated for gum disease in the past — even years ago — you may benefit from maintenance visits to protect the health of your gums. Gum disease maintenance is often recommended for patients with:
- Previous scaling and root planing treatment
- Chronic inflammation or bleeding gums
- Bone loss around the teeth
- Systemic conditions like diabetes that increase gum risk
If you’re unsure whether gum disease maintenance is right for you, we’ll evaluate your current gum health and help determine the most effective schedule for your care.
Why Choose Valley Dental Care?
Gentle, Effective Periodontal Care in Aurora and Oswego
At Valley Dental Care, we take a proactive and compassionate approach to gum health. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with periodontal disease or managing it long-term, our team will make sure you feel informed, supported, and cared for. Visit our Aurora or Oswego location for expert maintenance that supports your whole smile — not just your teeth.