Periodontal Maintenance in Lansing, MI

Keep Your Smile Healthy with Periodontal Maintenance in Lansing, MI

woman getting a cleaning At Kim Dentistry, our East Lansing, MI dentist, Dr. Caroline Kim and her skilled team are dedicated to helping you maintain healthy gums and prevent the progression of periodontal disease. Our personalized periodontal maintenance programs are designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup, monitor gum health, and address early signs of gum disease before they become more serious. With regular care and professional guidance, you can protect your smile, preserve your natural teeth, and enjoy lasting oral health.

Take the first step toward a healthier smile by scheduling your periodontal maintenance appointment at our Lansing dental office by calling (517) 886-1100.

Why Our Lansing Dentist Recommends Periodontal Care

At Kim Dentistry, Dr. Kim emphasizes the importance of periodontal care because healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, lasting smile. Gum disease can develop silently, often without obvious symptoms, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious oral and overall health issues. Regular periodontal maintenance helps prevent these complications and keeps your smile healthy. Key reasons our Lansing dentist recommends periodontal care include:

Early Detection of Gum Disease: Routine checkups allow us to identify early signs of gingivitis or periodontitis before they become more serious.
Plaque and Tartar Removal: Professional cleanings remove buildup that regular brushing and flossing can miss, reducing the risk of infection and inflammation.
Prevention of Tooth Loss: Maintaining healthy gums strengthens the support around your teeth, helping prevent premature tooth loss.
Protection of Bone Health: Periodontal care helps preserve the jawbone that supports your teeth, reducing the risk of bone deterioration.
Improved Overall Health: Research links gum disease to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, making gum care a critical part of overall wellness.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Dr. Kim tailors maintenance programs to your specific needs, ensuring optimal results and long-term oral health.

Regular periodontal care is an essential part of protecting your smile and maintaining overall wellness.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a professional dental cleaning designed to remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup that can cause or worsen periodontal disease. It’s an essential treatment for people who have already undergone periodontal therapy and have a history of gum disease.

Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the patient’s condition and the recommendation of their dentist or periodontist.

Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance

man looking at his teeth in dentist chair There are many benefits to periodontal maintenance, including:

Prevents periodontal disease from progressing: This type of dental cleaning helps remove bacteria and plaque buildup, preventing periodontal disease from worsening.

Prevents tooth loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular periodontal cleaning appointments can help prevent this from happening.
Maintains oral health: Periodontal maintenance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and can prevent other oral health problems, such as cavities and bad breath.
Helps detect other health problems: Your Lansing dentist may be able to detect other health problems during your periodontal cleaning appointments, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?

Anyone who has had periodontal disease in the past and has undergone periodontal therapy is a candidate for periodontal maintenance. Additionally, you may also benefit from this type of dental cleaning if you:

Have a family history of gum disease
Smoke
Have diabetes
Are pregnant and may be at a higher risk for gum disease

To schedule an appointment at our Lansing dental office, contact us today by calling (517) 886-1100.

The Periodontal Maintenance Process

The periodontal maintenance process typically involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Here’s what you can expect:

Evaluation: Our dentist in Lansing will evaluate your gum health and determine if further treatment is needed.
Scaling and Root Planing: If necessary, our dental hygienist will perform scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, which involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and smoothing out the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from sticking to them.
Polishing: After scaling and root planing, our dental hygienist will polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains or plaque.
Oral Hygiene Education: Our dental hygienist will provide oral hygiene education and tips to help you maintain good oral health at home.
Follow-up: The dentist will schedule your next appointment for periodontal maintenance, typically three to four months later.

The Cost of Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings in Lansing

woman smiling at dentist Periodontal maintenance cleanings in Lansing typically range from $150 to $300 per appointment. The exact cost can vary based on factors such as the location of the practice, the experience of the dentist or periodontist, and your dental insurance coverage. While periodontal maintenance is generally more expensive than a standard dental cleaning, many insurance plans cover part or all of the cost. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses. Be sure to ask your dentist if they offer discounts, payment plans, or financing options to make treatment more affordable.

Tips for Saving on Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings:

Ask your dentist about available payment plans or discounts for paying in full upfront.
Verify with your insurance company whether periodontal maintenance is covered under your plan.
Compare prices among different dental practices in your area to find the best option for your budget.

How to Maintain Healthy Gums at Home

To help keep periodontal disease from recurring, our Lansing dentist has provided tips on how to maintain healthy gums at home:

Brush and floss teeth regularly
Use mouthwash
Quit smoking
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Stay hydrated
Keep up with a routine dental cleaning schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Periodontal maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the recommendation of your dentist or periodontist and your individual needs.

Periodontal maintenance isn’t usually painful. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the cleaning process. Your dental hygienist can use numbing agents or adjust the cleaning technique to make you more comfortable.

Periodontal maintenance isn’t a cure for gum disease, but it can help manage and control the progression of the disease. Consistent and proper oral hygiene habits, along with regular periodontal maintenance appointments, can help keep periodontal disease under control.

Protect Your Gums with Periodontal Maintenance at Kim Dentistry

Periodontal maintenance is an essential preventive treatment that helps patients in Lansing, MI, manage and control the progression of gum disease. If you have a history of periodontal issues or are at risk for developing gum disease, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance appointments. Dr. Caroline Kim and our team at Kim Dentistry are dedicated to providing personalized care to protect your gums and preserve your smile. Contact one of the best dentists in Lansing by calling (517) 886-1100 to schedule your periodontal maintenance visit.