Periodontal maintenance is important for all patients who have gum disease. In its early stages, gum disease creates tiny pockets around the teeth, allowing debris and plaque to become trapped between the gum and tooth. Over time, these pockets get larger and deeper, further separating the gums from the tooth. This eventually leads to tooth and bone loss when proper maintenance was ignored.

Periodontal maintenance, which often involves a scaling and root planing, is necessary to keep the disease from progressing further. The scaling and root planing, often referred to as a deep cleaning, helps to clean out those small pockets around the teeth. This allows the gums to heal on their own and come closer to the actual teeth. Maintenance of gum disease is essential in preventing it from getting to the point where you lose your teeth.