Supportive Periodontal Therapy

Maintenance

The goal of maintenance is to minimize the recurrence and progression of periodontal disease in patients treated for periodontal disease. To reach this end an appropriate time schedule must be determined that will allow for early detection of poor oral hygiene and continued periodontal breakdown. The appointments must review the patient's medical and dental history, periodic radiographic review, extra and inter oral exam, plaque control effectiveness of the patient, removal of etiological components from sulcular or pocket areas, continued scaling and root planing as needed, and supra gingival polishing. The American Academy of Periodontology has outlined parameters of care for supportive periodontal treatment (maintenance) and lists what should be recorded for the periodonic examination:

1. Probing depths
2. Bleeding on probing
3. General levels of plaque and calculus
4. Evaluation of furcation invasion
5. Exudation
6. Gingival recession
7. Occlusal examination and tooth mobility
8. Other signs and symptoms of disease activity
9. Recall appointments for most patients with a history of periodontitis should occur at three month intervals initially.
10. Based on evaluation of clinical findings and asssessment of disease status, maintenance intervals may be modified or the patient may need to be returned to active therapy