Periodontal disease is a chronic (long-lasting) problem and can return without regular dental care and careful attention to oral hygiene at home. Therefore, one of the keys to successful nonsurgical or surgical treatment for periodontal disease is regular follow-up care.

Maintenance therapy appointments are usually one-visit sessions with your dentist or periodontist or their hygienists. These visits can be scheduled between two and four times a year depending on the severity of your periodontal condition, whether you have a history of recurrent periodontal disease, and whether you demonstrate an increased susceptibility to the disease. You also may need more frequent visits if you smoke or have another disease that increases your risk of periodontal disease.

A typical maintenance visit will include:

• A periodontal examination
• An evaluation of the amount of plaque on your teeth and your oral hygiene; a review of the proper techniques for brushing, flossing or other cleaning techniques, when needed
• Cleaning and polishing of your teeth, including the removal of plaque, calculus (tartar) and stains
• X-rays, if needed
• Treatment to manage tooth sensitivity, if needed

If you have teeth that are very sensitive, your dental professional may need to apply a dental anesthetic in order to clean them. Either a topical or an injectable anesthetic can be used.

If your dentist or periodontist determines during your maintenance appointment that your periodontal disease continues to return, he or she will discuss appropriate treatment with you. Proper follow-up care should minimize the likelihood of the disease returning. Also, if your disease does return, it tends to be rather localized and more easily treated than in people who forgo maintenance care for long periods of time.