Keep Your Gums Healthy with Professional Periodontal Care
Periodontal maintenance is a vital step in keeping your gums healthy and preventing the return of gum disease. At Refresh Valley Dental in Northampton, MA, we provide thorough and consistent periodontal care to patients who have undergone prior gum treatment or are managing chronic periodontitis. If you’ve dealt with bleeding gums, receding gum lines, or tooth sensitivity, routine periodontal maintenance may be the key to protecting your oral health long-term.
Led by Dr. Aurora Fields, our dental team in Northampton serves patients across Easthampton, Amherst, Hadley, and nearby communities with personalized periodontal treatment options rooted in the latest research in dental and craniofacial care.
To schedule your next periodontal cleaning, call Refresh Valley Dental at (413) 387-4585.
Why Periodontal Maintenance Is Essential After Gum Disease
Once gum disease—also called periodontitis—has taken hold, routine dental cleanings are no longer enough. That’s where periodontal maintenance comes in. This professional cleaning goes beyond a standard appointment to target the areas most vulnerable to disease recurrence.
Here’s why it matters:
- Prevents advanced gum disease from progressing
- Helps preserve bone and soft tissue support
- Reduces the risk of tooth loss and painful chewing
- Removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar below the gum line
- Improves breath and reduces inflammation
Periodontal maintenance isn’t just about keeping your teeth and gums clean. It’s about stopping disease progression before it leads to irreversible damage—including bone loss, gum recession, or even the need for bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration.
Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?
This specialized cleaning is recommended for individuals who have already received periodontal treatment, such as scaling and root planning. You may be a candidate if you’ve been diagnosed with:
- Chronic periodontitis or severe gum disease
- Gum tissue loss and exposed root surfaces
- Frequent inflammation, bleeding, or puffy gums
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Persistent bad breath or signs of infection of the tissues
You may also need ongoing care if you’re at higher risk due to:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Poor oral hygiene
- Crooked teeth that are hard to clean
- Smoking or poor nutrition
- Psychological factors, like stress, that affect the immune response
- Systemic diseases such as heart disease
Our team at Refresh Valley Dental will evaluate your risk factors and recommend a periodontal maintenance schedule that fits your needs. Call (413) 387-4585 to set up your consultation.
What to Expect During a Periodontal Maintenance Appointment
Each periodontal maintenance visit includes a thorough evaluation and professional cleaning to help maintain a healthy mouth and manage infection risks.
Here’s what your visit may involve:
Gum Health Evaluation
Your dentist will begin by assessing your gum line, soft tissue condition, and any early signs of disease progression. X-rays may be taken to monitor bone levels around affected teeth.
Scaling and Root Planing (If Needed)
Our dental hygienist will perform scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. If needed, root planing will smooth out the tooth roots, reducing bacteria buildup and helping the gums reattach to the teeth.
Tooth Surface Polishing
After deep cleaning, we’ll polish your teeth to remove surface stains and ensure smooth tooth surfaces, which makes it harder for plaque to accumulate.
Personalized Oral Hygiene Education
We’ll walk you through tips for brushing and flossing effectively, choosing the right mouthwash, and using interdental tools to prevent tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
Scheduled Follow-Up
Most patients need periodontal maintenance every three to four months. This timing helps prevent disease flare-ups and supports long-term gum health.
For more information about your personalized periodontal treatment plan, call Refresh Valley Dental today at (413) 387-4585.
Benefits of Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Choosing regular periodontal maintenance cleanings offers several long-term advantages:
- Stops disease progression early
Prevents the return of inflammation and infection that can lead to tooth and bone loss. - Preserves your natural smile
Keeps teeth properly supported by healthy tissue and bone. - Improves whole-body health
Untreated gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and systemic diseases. - Reduces the need for more invasive care
Helps you avoid costly restorative dentistry like tooth replacement or advanced surgery. - Boosts confidence and comfort
Fresher breath, less gum sensitivity, and better-fitting teeth are all common results of consistent care.
If you’ve been diagnosed with advanced periodontitis or are managing ongoing symptoms, contact Refresh Valley Dental at (413) 387-4585 to learn how periodontal maintenance can protect your health.
How Much Does Periodontal Maintenance Cost?
The cost of periodontal maintenance in Northampton typically ranges from $150 to $300 per visit, depending on the severity of your condition and your insurance plan. While this is more than a standard dental cleaning, it’s far more affordable than the costs of neglecting gum disease—such as bone grafting, tooth loss, or restorative treatment.
Here are some tips to manage the cost:
- Ask us about in-office payment plans or financing
- Check your dental insurance to see if periodontal services are covered
- Consider dental discount programs
- Schedule regular visits to avoid complications and extra treatment
Our front desk staff will be happy to walk you through your coverage and help you make an informed financial decision. Call (413) 387-4585 for assistance.
Maintaining Gum Health Between Visits
To support your periodontal maintenance treatments, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene at home. We recommend:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Using antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake
- Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated
- Keeping regular dental checkups every six months
If you follow these steps and visit your dentist regularly, you can reduce the chance of future gum disease, prevent tartar buildup, and preserve a healthy smile for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients need maintenance every three to four months to prevent disease progression and maintain oral health. Your schedule may vary based on the severity of your condition and response to treatment.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the periodontal maintenance treatment. If you have sensitive teeth or inflamed gums, your dental hygienist can use a numbing gel or adjust the technique to make the cleaning more comfortable.
No, but periodontal maintenance can help manage it effectively. Periodontal disease is a chronic condition, but with routine cleanings and good oral hygiene, its effects can be controlled and prevented from worsening.
Skipping periodontal maintenance appointments can allow plaque and tartar to build up again, leading to rapid progression of the disease, bone loss, and potential tooth loss. Sticking to your schedule is key to keeping your gums healthy.
Protect Your Smile with Periodontal Maintenance in Northampton, MA
You don’t have to live with bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, or bad breath. Periodontal maintenance is a proactive, powerful way to prevent long-term damage and keep your smile healthy and strong. At Refresh Valley Dental, we’re committed to personalized, science-backed care for every stage of your oral health journey.
We proudly serve families in Northampton, Easthampton, Hadley, Amherst, and nearby Massachusetts towns with compassionate periodontal services designed for real results.
Call our Northampton dental office at (413) 387-4585 today to schedule your next periodontal maintenance cleaning.