Periodontal maintenance in Los Angeles, CA

At Leith K Shawaf DDS in Los Angeles, California, periodontal maintenance supports long-term gum health after gum disease treatment. Periodontal maintenance in Los Angeles, CA focuses on controlling infection, protecting bone and soft tissues, and reducing the risk of relapse following scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery.

Periodontal maintenance therapy explained

Periodontal maintenance is a customized follow-up program for patients who have been treated for periodontitis. Unlike a routine cleaning, this visit targets periodontal pockets and root surfaces where harmful bacteria can re-establish. The goal is to keep inflammation low, stabilize attachment levels, and protect the bone that supports your teeth.

After scaling and root planing, gums heal but remain more susceptible to bacterial build-up than healthy gums. Maintenance visits are scheduled more frequently than standard cleanings—often every 3 to 4 months—because the bacteria that trigger gum disease return quickly. Keeping a consistent periodontal recall schedule helps prevent deeper infection and tooth loss.

How periodontal maintenance helps your gums

• Reduces periodontal pocket depth by disrupting biofilm before it matures.
• Removes tartar and biofilm below the gumline around teeth and restorative work.
• Limits bleeding and inflammation, which supports more comfortable chewing.
• Protects supporting bone and gum attachment to reduce the risk of tooth mobility.
• Monitors sites with previous infection so changes are caught early.
• Supports fresh breath and easier home care between visits.

The periodontal maintenance visit

Assessment and measurements

The visit begins with a review of your medical history, gum health, and home care routine. Periodontal charting is updated, including pocket depths, bleeding points, and recession. Changes are compared with previous records to guide your care plan.

Therapeutic cleaning

Using hand and ultrasonic instruments, the hygienist removes plaque and calculus above and below the gumline. Root surfaces are smoothed to make it harder for bacteria to adhere. Stain removal and a gentle polish may follow when appropriate.

Localized care

Sites with persistent bleeding or deeper pockets may receive targeted care such as antimicrobial irrigation, localized antibiotic therapy, or desensitizing treatment. Fluoride may be applied for patients with root exposure or high cavity risk.

Home care guidance and interval planning

You will receive personalized home care instructions, which may include interdental brushes, floss alternatives, or water flossers. The maintenance interval is then set—often 3 months—but may vary based on pocket depth, bleeding, and risk factors like smoking or diabetes.

What to expect before and after your visit

Before your appointment, maintain your regular brushing and interdental cleaning routine. Bring an updated list of medications and any health changes, as conditions like diabetes can affect healing. If you take prescribed premedication for dental visits, follow those instructions.

After your visit, mild tenderness is possible for a day or two, especially at deep-cleaned sites. Rinsing with warm salt water can ease soreness. Continue brushing twice daily with a soft brush, clean between teeth, and consider adding an antimicrobial mouthrinse if recommended. If localized antibiotics are placed, follow the specific aftercare guidance you are given.

Frequency matters for success. Skipping periodontal maintenance increases the chance of pocket depth returning, gum bleeding, and bone loss. Staying on schedule preserves results from scaling and root planing and helps avoid more extensive treatment later.