Periodontal maintenance therapy is a specialized, ongoing program of care designed for patients previously diagnosed and treated for periodontal disease to maintain healthy gums and bone, free of inflammation-causing bacteria. Despite initial treatment, harmful bacteria responsible for gum disease can reaccumulate deep in the pockets between gums and teeth within three to four months. Therefore, periodontal maintenance therapy typically occurs at three to four-month intervals to proactively address this. During these visits, your doctor or hygienist assesses your gum tissue health by probing pocket depth and may use x-rays to evaluate bone health. They perform a deep cleaning beneath the gum line to remove plaque and bacteria buildup since the last visit and smooth out uneven tooth surfaces to deter further bacterial attachment. Since there's no cure for periodontal disease, this maintenance therapy is essential in preventing its progression and additional complications for oral and systemic health, with your doctor tailoring a maintenance schedule to your individual needs.