Periodontal Maintenance in Chillicothe, Ohio

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

When gum disease has advanced beyond gingivitis, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing—also known as a deep cleaning.

• Scaling removes hardened tartar and bacterial toxins from above and below the gumline.
• Root planing smooths the root surfaces so gums can reattach more firmly to your teeth, reducing pocket depth and preventing future buildup.

Scaling and root planing is often completed in one or two visits and may be performed with local anesthetic for your comfort. After this treatment, patients transition into a periodontal maintenance program with cleanings every 3–4 months to keep disease under control and protect long-term results.

Why Is Periodontal Maintenance So Important?

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) affects nearly 3 out of 4 adults during their lifetime. Left untreated, it can cause gums to recede, teeth to loosen, and eventually tooth loss.



Even with excellent home care, gum disease can return. That’s why patients in Chillicothe, Ohio who have been treated for periodontal disease should continue with regular maintenance visits at Chillicothe Family Dental.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized type of dental cleaning for patients who have been diagnosed with gum disease. Unlike a standard dental cleaning, periodontal maintenance goes deeper to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that collect below the gumline.

For patients in Chillicothe, Ohio, periodontal maintenance is essential for:

Preventing gum disease from progressing

• Protecting the bone and tissues that support your teeth
• Reducing inflammation, bleeding, and infection
• Maintaining the results of scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
  

How Often Do I Need Periodontal Maintenance?

Most patients benefit from periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months, depending on their specific condition. During these visits, our team will:

Remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gums

• Monitor gum health and pocket depth
• Check for signs of infection or bone loss
• Review brushing, flossing, and home care habits
  

Risk Factors That Worsen Gum Disease

In addition to plaque buildup, certain lifestyle and health conditions can make gum disease worse:

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Certain medications
• Poor nutrition

If you have one or more of these risk factors, consistent periodontal maintenance in Chillicothe, Ohio is even more important.

Preventing Gum Disease from Returning

The best way to protect your smile is a combination of:

• Daily brushing and flossing at home
• Professional periodontal maintenance at Chillicothe Family Dental
• Healthy lifestyle habits, including not smoking and managing stress

Once periodontal disease has started, it cannot be completely cured, but with proper maintenance and care, it can be controlled so you can keep your teeth for life.

Oral Health + Total Wellness

Did you know gum health is closely linked to overall health? Research shows that periodontal disease is connected to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. That’s why Chillicothe Family Dental takes a proactive approach to gum health—helping you protect both your smile and your long-term wellness.

Periodontal Maintenance FAQs

How is periodontal maintenance different from a regular cleaning?

 A regular cleaning focuses on removing buildup above the gums. Periodontal maintenance goes deeper, cleaning below the gumline to keep gum disease from progressing.

Can gum disease be reversed?

 Early gum disease (gingivitis) can often be reversed. Once it has progressed to periodontal disease, it cannot be fully cured—but it can be controlled with ongoing treatment.

Will my insurance cover periodontal maintenance?

 Many dental insurance plans cover periodontal maintenance when it is recommended by your dentist. Our team at Chillicothe Family Dental can help verify your benefits.