Take Control of Your Gum Health with Periodontal Maintenance in Algoma
If your dentist has told you that you need periodontal maintenance, you’re not alone—and it’s actually good news. It means you’re staying ahead of gum disease instead of letting it quietly progress. At Algoma Family Dentistry, Dr. Pattie Sigl, Dr. Daniel Fama, and our dental hygiene team provide periodontal maintenance for patients who’ve been treated for gum disease and need ongoing care to keep it from coming back.
Looking for a dentist near you in Algoma, WI? We welcome new and returning patients from Algoma, Bruemmerville, Forestville, Alaska, Sturgeon Bay, Green Bay, and the surrounding communities. Contact us at (920) 487-2733 to schedule your appointment at Algoma Family Dentistry.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning for patients who’ve already had gum disease treated. It’s different from a standard six-month cleaning in a few important ways:
- It reaches below the gumline, not just above it, to clear out plaque and tartar (also called calculus) that regular brushing and flossing can’t touch
- It includes measuring the depth of your gum pockets to track how your gum tissue is healing
- It targets the bacteria that cause gum disease to flare back up
- It comes with home-care coaching that’s actually tailored to your mouth, not a generic pamphlet
Think of it less as “extra cleaning” and more as ongoing physical therapy for your gums—the initial treatment did the heavy lifting, and maintenance keeps the results from unraveling.
Signs You Might Need Periodontal Maintenance
Not sure if this applies to you? These are the most common reasons patients end up here:
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums that don’t seem to improve
- Gum recession, teeth that look longer than they used to
- Persistent bad breath that brushing doesn’t fix
- Loose or shifting teeth, which can signal bone loss around the roots
- A previous diagnosis of gingivitis or periodontitis, or a past round of scaling and root planing
If any of that sounds familiar, it’s worth a conversation with a dentist near you before it progresses further—gum disease rarely gets better on its own.
Why This Matters Beyond Your Mouth
Gum disease isn’t just a dental issue—it’s tied to your overall health in ways that surprise a lot of patients.
- Your heart. Bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream, and research links untreated gum disease to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Blood sugar control. Gum disease and diabetes feed off each other—poor gum health makes blood sugar harder to manage, and high blood sugar makes gum infections more likely. Staying on top of periodontal maintenance helps break that cycle.
- Your teeth, long-term. Left unmanaged, gum disease erodes the bone that holds your teeth in place, which is how patients end up with tooth loss that could’ve been prevented.
- Your breath. Chronic bad breath is often caused by bacteria hiding in gum pockets, not something a mint can fix.
Choosing a Periodontal Dentist Near You in Algoma
You have options for where you get this kind of care, so here’s what sets our team apart:
- Experience that matters. Dr. Fama, Dr. Sigl, and our hygienists have deep training specifically in periodontal therapy, not just general cleanings.
- Equipment that makes a difference. Ultrasonic scalers, laser therapy, and digital radiography let us treat more precisely and comfortably.
- A plan built around you. Your treatment frequency and approach depend on your gum health, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
- A local team that’s easy to reach. As a family dentistry practice in Algoma, we’re part of this community—not a call center in another state.
What Happens During Your Periodontal Maintenance Visit
A typical periodontal maintenance appointment runs 60 to 90 minutes and includes:
- A quick health check-in. Any changes to your medications or health history since your last visit
- Gum pocket measurements. Healthy pockets run 1–3 mm; anything deeper gets flagged for attention
- Scaling. Hand instruments and ultrasonic tools clear plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
- Root planing, if needed. Smoothing root surfaces so bacteria have a harder time reattaching
- Polishing and fluoride. To finish clean and strengthen enamel
- X-rays, when necessary. To keep an eye on bone levels
- Home care guidance. Tools and techniques suited to your specific gum health, from water flossers to antimicrobial rinses
Periodontal Maintenance Cost and Insurance
The cost of periodontal maintenance typically runs $150–$350 per visit, depending on your specific needs—pricing shifts over time, so we recommend confirming current costs when you book.
Most dental insurance treats this as a therapeutic procedure rather than routine preventative care, which can mean different coverage rules than a standard cleaning. Ask your provider about:
- Your annual maximum for periodontal procedures
- Waiting periods on major services
- Co-pay or coinsurance amounts
- Whether pre-authorization is required
Our front desk can help verify your benefits, and we offer flexible payment options if you need them.
How Often Should You Come In?
- Every 3 months, which is typical for a moderate-to-severe gum disease history
- Every 4 months, often enough for mild, well-controlled cases with strong home care
- Every 6–8 weeks, for patients managing diabetes, immune conditions, a genetic tendency toward gum disease, or ongoing inflammation
Your dentist will land on the right interval based on how your gums respond to treatment—this isn’t a fixed rule.
Beyond Standard Maintenance
For patients who need more than routine care, we also offer:
- Laser periodontal therapy: A less invasive way to target bacteria deep in gum pockets, usually with faster healing
- Localized antibiotic treatment: Placed directly in infected pockets for sustained bacterial control between visits
- Referrals when needed: We coordinate with periodontal specialists in Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay for advanced cases
Frequently Asked Questions
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is for healthy gums, done every six months. Periodontal maintenance is for patients with a gum disease history, done every 3–4 months, and goes below the gum line.
It’s not a great idea to skip your periodontal maintenance appointments. Gum disease is often painless until it’s advanced, so feeling fine isn’t the same as being fine. Regular visits catch problems before you notice them yourself.
Most Wisconsin dental plans cover periodontal maintenance, but often under “major services” rather than preventative care, which can mean different co-pays or annual limits. Our office can check your specific benefits before your visit.
Brush with a soft-bristled brush, floss or use an interdental cleaner daily, and use any antimicrobial rinse your hygienist recommends. Avoid tobacco, and keep up with any related medical care, like diabetes management, since it affects gum health too.