Often supportive periodontal care will be shared with your general dentist and general hygienist. However most patients who have had treatment with a periodontist will still be recommended to see the periodontist periodically for review.

Yes. At a supportive periodontal treatment appointment, your periodontist and hygienist will:

1. Thoroughly examine your gums for bleeding and measure gum pockets
2. Assess and manage systemic risk factors such as smoking and diabetes
3. Assess proficiency at home oral hygiene care such as brushing and flossing
4. Reassess and manage local risk factors such as grooves
5. Review the need for any complex treatment such as periodontal surgery
6. Thoroughly clean teeth to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line
7. Decide on the best frequency for future supportive periodontal therapy visits

Visits involve assessing gum health, managing risk factors, and cleaning above and below the gum line.

Visit frequency varies based on disease severity and risk factors, and is commonly scheduled every three to six months.

For most people with gum disease, supportive periodontal treatment is required long term to maintain stability and reduce recurrence. Additionally, control of risk factors like smoking, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home are essential to prevent disease recurrence.

It helps control gum disease and slow progression, but ongoing care is needed to maintain results.