5 Invaluable Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance

When it comes to protecting your smile, ongoing care is just as important as the initial treatment. If you’ve been treated for gum disease—or want to avoid developing it—periodontal maintenance can make all the difference. 

At Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants, our customized maintenance programs are designed to help you stay ahead of gum disease, preserve your oral health, and avoid costly, uncomfortable complications in the future.

Take a moment as Dr. Jenny Herman and her team share more details about periodontal maintenance and the five ways it can benefit you.

Learn more about periodontal maintenance

Periodontal maintenance refers to dental treatments that manage and prevent the progression of periodontal (gum) disease. It’s more than a routine cleaning—it's a proactive approach that targets harmful bacteria below your gum line and supports the health of your gums, jawbone, and teeth.

At Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants, our periodontal maintenance care may include:

• Scaling and root planing using traditional tools, ultrasonic devices, or laser technology
• Oral or topical antibiotics to combat bacteria
• Advanced procedures like LANAP® laser therapy or the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™)
• Home care guidance suited to your needs
• Follow-up exams and digital X-rays to monitor progress

Your specific periodontal maintenance plan can vary depending on the severity of your gum disease and what symptoms you have. For example, Dr. Herman may recommend LANAP laser therapy if you have diseased gum tissue that needs to be removed.

5 benefits of periodontal maintenance

Periodontal maintenance isn’t just something you check off your to-do list. It gives you serious benefits like:

1. It can stop gum disease from progressing 

The earlier you address periodontal disease, the better your outcomes. Periodontal maintenance treatments, like root scaling and planing, for example, can remove stubborn plaque and tartar below your gumline—where regular brushing can’t reach. This helps to reduce your bacterial load before it causes further damage.

2. Periodontal maintenance helps prevent tooth loss

Left untreated, gum disease can destroy the bone and tissue that support your teeth. In fact, gum disease is one of the top causes of adult tooth loss, along with cavities and smoking. 

As gum disease progresses, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth and form pockets that trap bacteria. Some pockets can be as deep as 12 millimeters! This, then, can lead to bone loss around your teeth and eventually cause them to loosen or fall out.

Periodontal maintenance helps preserve the integrity of your jawbone and prevent permanent tooth loss by keeping your gum tissues healthy and inflammation under control.

3. Periodontal maintenance can help with bad breath

Occasional bad breath is one thing — garlicky foods, for example, are known for leaving you with bad breath, aka halitosis. 

However, if you struggle with chronic bad breath, ongoing periodontal care can help. Maintenance treatments reduce odor-causing bacteria that cause halitosis.

4. It can stop gum recession from getting worse

Receding gums are a common side effect of gum disease and can lead to both tooth sensitivity and aesthetic concerns. By managing the root cause, periodontal maintenance helps stop further recession.

5. Periodontal maintenance can reduce the need for more complex procedures later on

Consistent maintenance may help you avoid surgery or extensive restorative treatments down the road. 

However, if you need additional support, Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants also offers advanced solutions like gum grafting, bone grafting, LANAP®, pocket reduction surgery, and dental implants.

Bonus benefit: We help you adopt the at-home habits you need to take care of your gums

While periodontal maintenance treatments take place in our office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, your at-home care is just as important. 

That’s why Dr. Herman also provides personalized guidance on how to care for your gums between visits—such as brushing after meals, flossing daily, using any prescribed antibacterial mouthwash, and keeping up with your routine cleanings and checkups.

Do you need periodontal maintenance?

If you’ve had gum disease in the past or are experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, you may benefit from periodontal maintenance. 

Dr. Herman conducts a thorough oral examination, including dental X-rays and a review of your symptoms and oral health history, to determine the right care plan for you.

Schedule your periodontal maintenance today

Whether you’re managing early-stage gum disease or maintaining results after treatment, Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants is here to help you protect your smile for life.

Call our office at 225-769-1444 or request an appointment online today to experience the benefits of periodontal maintenance for yourself.