Protect Your Smile with Professional Periodontal Care at Algoma Family Dentistry
When it comes to maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease progression, periodontal maintenance is your first line of defense. At Algoma Family Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Fama and our experienced dental hygienist team provide comprehensive periodontal therapy designed specifically for patients who have undergone treatment for periodontal disease.
Looking for a dentist near you in Algoma, WI? Our dental practice welcomes new patients from Algoma, Bruemmerville, Forestville, Alaska, Sturgeon Bay, Green Bay, and surrounding communities. Contact us today at (920) 487-2733 to schedule your periodontal maintenance appointment.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a therapeutic dental cleaning procedure that goes far beyond regular dental cleaning. Unlike routine prophylaxis cleanings performed every six months for healthy patients, periodontal maintenance is specifically designed for individuals with a history of gum disease, gingivitis, or periodontitis.
The key difference between periodontal maintenance and regular cleanings lies in the depth and frequency of treatment. While regular cleanings focus on preventative care above the gum line, periodontal maintenance involves:
- Deep cleaning below the gum line to remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup
- Scaling and root planing techniques to smooth the tooth root surfaces
- Comprehensive monitoring of gum pocket depths and inflammation levels
- Bacterial reduction therapy to prevent infection recurrence
- Customized oral hygiene education tailored to your specific needs
Your dental hygienist uses specialized instruments during these appointments to ensure thorough removal of bacteria and toxins that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Why Periodontal Maintenance Helps Protect Your Overall Health
Research consistently shows that gum disease is linked to serious systemic health conditions. Periodontal maintenance helps prevent these connections by:
- Reducing Cardiovascular Risk: Studies indicate that untreated periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, contributing to arterial inflammation and plaque formation.
- Managing Diabetes: Periodontal disease and diabetes create a two-way relationship. Poor gum health can make blood sugar control more difficult, while diabetes increases susceptibility to gum infections. Regular periodontal maintenance helps break this cycle.
- Preventing Tooth Loss: Without proper maintenance, gum disease progresses to advanced periodontitis, leading to bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. Consistent care preserves your natural teeth and avoids costly tooth replacement procedures.
- Eliminating Chronic Bad Breath: Persistent halitosis often stems from bacteria hiding in deep gum pockets. Professional cleaning eliminates these odor-causing microorganisms.
Why Choose Algoma Family Dentistry for Your Periodontal Care?
- Experienced Team: Our dentists and skilled dental hygienists have extensive training in periodontal therapy and stay current with the latest treatment techniques.
- Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment, including ultrasonic scalers, laser therapy, and digital radiography for precise diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is customized to your specific needs, health conditions, and lifestyle factors.
- Comprehensive Approach: We address not just your immediate periodontal needs but also educate you about the connections between oral health and overall wellness.
- Convenient Scheduling: Flexible appointment times accommodate busy schedules, and we send reminders to help you maintain your recommended maintenance schedule.
- Community Focus: As your local dentist in Algoma, we’re committed to serving families throughout northeastern Wisconsin with quality, compassionate dental care.
What to Expect During Your Periodontal Maintenance Appointment
Your periodontal maintenance visit with our dental hygienist is comprehensive and personalized. Here’s what happens during your appointment at our Algoma dental office:
- Initial Assessment (10 minutes): We review your medical history, current medications, and any changes in your oral health since your last visit. This ensures we provide the most appropriate care for your individual needs.
- Gum Health Evaluation (15 minutes): Our dental hygienist carefully measures gum pocket depths using a periodontal probe. Healthy gums typically have pockets of 1-3 mm, while deeper pockets indicate ongoing periodontal issues requiring attention.
- Professional Scaling (20-30 minutes): Using both hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers, we remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This process targets areas that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach effectively.
- Root Planing (as needed): For areas with persistent buildup or rough root surfaces, we perform localized root planing to create smooth surfaces that resist bacterial adhesion.
- Polishing and Fluoride Treatment: We polish your teeth to remove surface stains and apply fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- X-rays (when necessary): Periodic radiographs help us monitor bone levels and detect any hidden problems that might require additional treatment.
- Personalized Home Care Instructions: Based on your specific needs, we provide tailored recommendations for interdental brushes, water flossers, antimicrobial rinses, or other specialized oral hygiene tools.
Most periodontal maintenance appointments last 60 to 90 minutes, allowing sufficient time for thorough care without rushing through important procedures.
Ready to get started? Contact us today at (920) 487-2733 to schedule your periodontal maintenance appointment.
Periodontal Maintenance Cost and Insurance Coverage
Understanding the investment in your oral health is important. In 2025, periodontal maintenance appointments typically cost between $150 and $350 per visit, depending on the complexity of your case and the specific treatments required.
Most dental insurance plans recognize periodontal maintenance as a necessary therapeutic procedure rather than routine preventative care. This means coverage often falls under major services with different benefit structures than regular cleanings. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about:
- Annual maximum benefits for periodontal procedures
- Waiting periods for major services
- Co-payment or coinsurance requirements
- Pre-authorization requirements
Our office staff can help verify your benefits and maximize your insurance coverage. We also offer flexible payment options to make your treatment affordable.
How Often Should You Schedule Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance frequency depends on several factors that your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate:
Every three months is typical for most patients with a history of moderate to severe periodontal disease. This schedule allows us to:
- Monitor healing progress closely
- Remove bacterial buildup before it causes damage
- Adjust your treatment plan based on tissue response
- Maintain the results achieved through initial periodontal therapy
Every four months may be sufficient for patients with well-controlled mild periodontal disease and excellent home care habits.
More frequent visits (every six to eight weeks) might be necessary for patients with:
- Systemic conditions affecting healing (diabetes, immune disorders)
- Genetic predisposition to aggressive periodontal disease
- Difficulty maintaining adequate oral hygiene
- Areas of persistent inflammation despite treatment
Your general dentist in Algoma will work with you to determine the optimal schedule based on your individual response to treatment and risk factors.
Advanced Periodontal Therapy Options
Beyond standard maintenance cleanings, our dental practice offers comprehensive periodontal therapy options:
- Laser Periodontal Therapy: Minimally invasive laser treatment targets bacteria in deep pockets while promoting tissue regeneration with reduced discomfort and faster healing.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Localized antibiotic placement in infected areas provides sustained bacterial reduction between maintenance visits.
- Referral Coordination: When specialized treatment is needed, we coordinate care with experienced periodontists in the Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular prophylaxis (routine cleaning) is performed on healthy patients every six months for prevention. Periodontal maintenance is a therapeutic treatment for patients with gum disease, performed every three to four months, involving deeper cleaning below the gum line.
No. Periodontal disease is often painless in its early and moderate stages. By the time you feel discomfort, significant damage may have already occurred. Consistent maintenance prevents the silent progression of the disease.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during periodontal maintenance. Our dental hygienist can apply a topical anesthetic to sensitive areas and adjust techniques to maximize your comfort throughout the procedure.
Maintain excellent home care with soft-bristled toothbrushes, antimicrobial toothpaste, daily flossing or interdental cleaning, and any specialized tools recommended by your hygienist. Avoid tobacco products and maintain regular medical care for conditions like diabetes.