Periodontal Maintenance in Jackson, TN
At McLemore & McLemore, DDS, periodontal maintenance is a cornerstone of long-term gum health for patients who have been treated for gum disease. Once periodontal disease has been brought under control, regular maintenance visits are essential to keep it from progressing and protect the health of your teeth and bone. Call us at (731) 424-2651 or contact us to schedule your next maintenance appointment.
Why Periodontal Maintenance Is Essential
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition — meaning that once you have been diagnosed, the bacteria responsible for the disease remain in your mouth and can reactivate if your gums are not kept clean and monitored on a regular schedule. Periodontal maintenance appointments are specifically designed to address this reality. Unlike a standard prophylaxis cleaning, periodontal maintenance involves a deeper, more comprehensive cleaning that reaches below the gumline into the pockets where disease-causing bacteria accumulate.
Research consistently shows that patients who keep up with regular periodontal maintenance visits are significantly less likely to experience disease progression, tooth loss, or the need for more aggressive surgical intervention. Skipping maintenance appointments — even for a few months — allows bacteria to reestablish in the pockets and can undo the progress achieved through earlier treatment such as scaling and root planing.
What Happens During a Periodontal Maintenance Visit
At McLemore & McLemore, DDS, each periodontal maintenance appointment is thorough and personalized to your specific needs. Our team begins by updating your medical and dental history and reviewing any changes in your health since your last visit. We then perform a comprehensive examination of your gum tissue, measuring pocket depths and assessing for any signs of inflammation, recession, or bone changes.
The cleaning itself involves the careful removal of tartar and plaque deposits both above and below the gumline, including within your gum pockets. We clean the root surfaces of your teeth to remove bacterial toxins that can irritate the gum tissue. In cases where gum disease is more active, we may apply an antibiotic or antimicrobial gel directly into the pockets to help eliminate infection. We also use this appointment to take updated digital X-rays as needed to monitor bone levels over time.
The frequency of periodontal maintenance visits is typically every three to four months, though this may be adjusted based on your individual level of disease activity and how well your gums are responding to treatment. Our team at McLemore & McLemore, DDS in Jackson, TN will help you stay on the schedule that is right for you.
If it has been a while since your last maintenance visit, don’t wait. Contact McLemore & McLemore, DDS today at (731) 424-2651 to get back on track and protect the health of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Maintenance
What is the difference between periodontal maintenance and a regular cleaning?
A regular prophylaxis cleaning is designed for patients with healthy gums and focuses primarily on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline. Periodontal maintenance is a more comprehensive procedure that cleans below the gumline into the pockets around your teeth and is specifically designed for patients who have been treated for gum disease. The two are not interchangeable.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance appointments?
Most patients on a periodontal maintenance program visit McLemore & McLemore, DDS every three to four months. The exact frequency depends on the severity of your gum disease history, your current pocket depths, and how well your gums are responding to treatment. Our team will recommend the schedule that gives you the best chance of keeping gum disease under control.
Do I still need periodontal maintenance if my gums feel fine?
Yes. Periodontal disease can be active without causing noticeable pain or discomfort. Bacteria recolonize the pockets around your teeth within a matter of weeks after a cleaning, which is why regular maintenance visits are critical even when you feel no symptoms. Consistent appointments are the most effective way to prevent the disease from progressing.
What happens if I skip periodontal maintenance visits?
Skipping maintenance appointments allows bacteria to rebuild in the gum pockets, increasing inflammation and the risk of further bone and tissue loss. Over time, this can lead to worsening pocket depths, tooth mobility, and potentially tooth loss — outcomes that are preventable with consistent care at McLemore & McLemore, DDS.
Is periodontal maintenance covered by dental insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover periodontal maintenance visits, though coverage levels and frequency limits vary by plan. Our team can help you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage. For patients with questions about costs, we also offer flexible financing options.
Can periodontal disease be cured with maintenance alone?
Periodontal disease cannot be fully cured once it has progressed beyond early gingivitis, but it can be effectively managed and stabilized with a consistent maintenance program combined with good at-home oral hygiene. The goal of maintenance is to keep the disease in a controlled, inactive state so it does not progress further.
How do I get started with periodontal maintenance at McLemore & McLemore, DDS?
Call us at (731) 424-2651 or visit our contact page to schedule your periodontal maintenance appointment in Jackson, TN. Whether you are a returning patient or new to our practice, our team is ready to help you maintain a healthy, lasting smile.
