How Often Should I Schedule Periodontal Maintenance in Kingsport?

Most patients need to schedule periodontal maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months. This frequency is based on extensive research showing that gum disease patients who are seen every three months are less likely to lose teeth long-term.

At Highlands, we often recommend alternating visits with your general dentist. For example, you might see us for a maintenance visit, then see your general dentist three months later. This collaborative approach ensures that your gums and teeth are monitored consistently and thoroughly throughout the year.

The exact interval depends on how well you are able to clean your teeth at home and how your gums respond to treatment. Some patients who struggle with oral hygiene may benefit from more frequent visits to prevent harmful plaque buildup.

Why Are Regular Maintenance Cleanings Important?

Patients who have had gum disease are always at risk of it progressing or coming back. That’s why regular gum maintenance therapy is so important. These visits:

• Prevent the disease from progressing silently.
• Help preserve the natural teeth, which function better than any replacement.
• Maintain the esthetics of your smile and the function of your bite.
• Reduce the likelihood of needing advanced procedures like implants, grafts, or dentures.

Avoiding maintenance is risky. Even if you don’t feel pain, gum disease may be worsening. By the time you experience discomfort or loose teeth, it is often too late to save them. Consistent periodontal maintenance ensures your surgical treatments are successful and your teeth remain stable.

Scaling and Root Planing vs. Periodontal Maintenance

Patients often ask about the difference between scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance.

• Scaling and root planing is a therapeutic procedure. It treats gum disease by removing deposits from specific areas of infection. Because it targets active disease, it usually requires numbing.
• Periodontal maintenance is preventive. Once gum disease has been treated, maintenance visits are used to keep it from coming back. These visits are ongoing, thorough, and typically painless.

Both procedures are important. Think of scaling and root planing as treatment and periodontal maintenance as the follow-up care that protects the results.

Signs You May Need a Periodontal Maintenance Visit

Because gum disease is often painless, many patients don’t realize they are overdue for care. Signs you should schedule an appointment include:

• It’s been more than four months since your last maintenance visit.
• Your gums bleed when you brush or floss.
• You notice persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

• Your gums appear swollen, red, or tender.
• Your teeth feel loose.

Even if you don’t notice symptoms, it’s critical to keep up with maintenance visits. By the time pain appears, gum disease may already be advanced.

Long-Term Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance Care

Choosing to stay consistent with ongoing gum disease treatment has life-changing benefits:

• You are more likely to keep your natural teeth. Natural teeth provide the best function for chewing and the most natural appearance.
• You avoid costly, invasive procedures like implants or dentures that are required when teeth are lost.
• Your smile and confidence are preserved.
• Your risk for systemic health complications, such as heart disease or diabetes, is reduced.

At Highlands, we remind our patients that nothing functions as well as natural teeth. Regular periodontal supportive maintenance is the key to protecting them.

Are Periodontal Maintenance Visits Customized?

Yes. Every patient’s gum health is different. At each visit, our periodontists carefully examine your gums and bone levels, then adjust your treatment plan as needed. The frequency of your visits and the focus of your cleaning are based on your individual condition and your ability to maintain oral hygiene at home.

Can Periodontal Maintenance Improve Overall Health?

Healthy gums support a healthy body. Research has linked untreated gum disease to conditions such as:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s disease

By committing to regular periodontal maintenance therapy, you’re not only preserving your smile but also supporting your overall health.

How Much Does Periodontal Maintenance Cost in Kingsport, TN?

The cost of periodontal maintenance in Kingsport, TN varies depending on your needs and insurance coverage. These visits are generally far less expensive than advanced periodontal surgery or tooth replacement options.

Our team is happy to help you review your insurance benefits and payment options. Investing in regular maintenance is the most cost-effective way to prevent tooth loss and avoid more complex procedures later.

Why Choose Highlands Periodontics for Periodontal Maintenance?

When it comes to gum health, specialized care makes a difference. At Highlands Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we offer:

• Care from board-certified periodontists with advanced training.
• A personalized 3-month recall schedule tailored to your condition.
• A modern office environment designed to help you feel comfortable.
• A trusted local team committed to long-term relationships with patients.

Patients throughout Kingsport and Colonial Heights choose Highlands for our expertise, our personalized approach, and our dedication to protecting their natural teeth.