Periodontal Maintenance in North York
After gum disease treatment, the work is not quite done. Maintenance visits help keep your gums stable and catch any change before it spreads.
Periodontal maintenance in North York at Emerald Forest Dental is a cleaning and gum check for people who have been treated for periodontitis. Visits are usually every three or four months instead of six. Your hygienist cleans below the gum line, measures your pockets and compares them to past records to make sure your gums stay stable.
- Typical time
- Usually 60 minutes
- Who it's for
- Adults who have had treatment for periodontitis
- Coverage
- Often covered under periodontal or preventive benefits; check how many visits your plan allows
- Recovery
- None to mild tenderness
About periodontal maintenance
Once you have had periodontitis, your gums have changed. Pockets may still be a little deeper than normal, and the areas where bone was lost can collect bacteria again quickly. Research shows that harmful bacteria can return to treated pockets within about three months, which is why maintenance visits are often spaced closer together than a routine cleaning.
A maintenance visit is more detailed than a regular cleaning. Your hygienist measures every pocket, notes any bleeding, checks for recession and loose teeth, and compares the numbers to your past charts. They then clean above and below the gum line, paying extra attention to deeper areas and places where tartar tends to return. Areas that are getting worse can be treated sooner rather than later.
Your maintenance schedule is set for you and can change over time. If your gums stay stable for a long stretch, the interval may be lengthened. If some areas flare up, visits may be closer together, or your dentist may ask Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari, our registered specialist in periodontics, to review your case. Some people alternate visits between their general dental team and a periodontist. What matters most is that the gaps do not get too long.
Who needs periodontal maintenance
- You have had scaling and root planing
- You have had gum surgery or other periodontal treatment
- You have been told you have periodontitis
- You have diabetes or smoke, and have a history of gum problems
- Your gum measurements have changed between visits
Benefits
- Helps keep treated gum disease from coming back
- Tracks pocket depths visit by visit
- Catches flare-ups early, when they are easier to manage
- Supports the long-term health of your teeth and any dental work
What to expect
- Health check-inWe ask about changes to your health, medicines and any gum symptoms since your last visit.
- Full gum chartingYour hygienist measures each pocket and records bleeding and recession.
- Targeted cleaningTartar and plaque are removed above and below the gum line, with extra care in deeper areas.
- Compare and planResults are compared with past visits, and your next visit date is set based on how stable things are.
Aftercare
- Keep using the cleaning tools your hygienist suggested, such as small between-teeth brushes.
- Book your next visit before you leave so the gap does not stretch.
- Call us if you notice new bleeding, swelling or a tooth that feels loose.
Other options
Going back to regular six-month cleanings is sometimes possible once your gums have been stable for a long time, but only your dental team can judge when that is safe. Skipping maintenance altogether raises the chance that periodontitis will become active again.
Cost and coverage
Periodontal maintenance is billed by time, much like scaling, and fees are usually set with reference to the ODA suggested fee guide. Some insurance plans cover these visits more often than regular cleanings, while others count them against the same yearly limit, so it is worth asking your insurer how they treat a three-month schedule. Our team can help you sort this out. We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan, so ask us how your coverage applies to this treatment. LendCare payment plans are also available.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari
Dental Specialist in Periodontics
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Periodontal Maintenance FAQ
Why do I need cleanings every three months?
Bacteria can return to treated gum pockets in about three months. More frequent cleanings disrupt them before they cause new damage. Your schedule may change as your gums become more stable.
Is this the same as a regular cleaning?
It is similar, but it focuses more on the areas below the gum line and includes detailed pocket measurements each time. It is designed for people who have had periodontitis.
Will I need maintenance visits forever?
Most people with a history of periodontitis benefit from closer follow-up for the long term. The interval can sometimes be lengthened if your gums stay healthy for a long time.
Can I alternate between your office and a periodontist?
Yes, some patients do this. Since Dr. Ranjbari, a registered specialist in periodontics, is part of our team, your records stay in one place and are easy to share between providers.
What if my gums get worse between visits?
Call us if you notice new bleeding, swelling, pus or a loose tooth. Your dentist may want to see you sooner and treat the area before it spreads.
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Periodontal Maintenance near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
Book periodontal maintenance in North York
New patients welcome. We'll confirm your coverage before treatment.