Periodontal Maintenance
Stay Ahead of Gum Disease
Is Your Gum Treatment Holding?
After completing your deep dental cleaning, the real work begins; keeping your gums stable and healthy for the long term. You might wonder if your periodontal pockets are staying shallow, if inflammation is creeping back, or whether you’re doing enough at home to protect your investment in treatment. These concerns are completely normal, especially when you’re balancing family schedules, work commitments, and the demands of daily life in Billings.
At Shumway Family Dentistry, our Dentist team understands that periodontal disease requires ongoing attention, not just a one-time fix. Regular periodontal maintenance visits allow us to monitor tissue health, measure pocket depths, and gently remove any bacterial buildup before it becomes a problem again. Call us at (406) 248-7500 to discuss your maintenance plan and find out how we can support your long-term gum health.
Regular Maintenance Visits Made Simple
Periodontal maintenance isn’t just another cleaning, it’s a specialized appointment designed specifically for patients who’ve had active gum disease treatment. During these visits, we carefully check the areas that were previously affected, looking for any signs that inflammation or infection might be returning. We measure periodontal pockets with precision, assess gum tissue attachment levels, and professionally clean below the gumline where your toothbrush simply can’t reach, no matter how diligent you are at home.
These appointments typically happen every three to four months rather than the standard six-month interval. That frequency isn’t arbitrary, it’s based on scientific evidence showing how quickly bacteria can recolonize treated areas and cause damage to the delicate gum tissue and underlying bone. We know your schedule is busy with work, kids’ activities, and everything else that comes with family life in Yellowstone County.
Monitoring Prevents Gum Disease
One of the biggest advantages of consistent periodontal maintenance is early detection. When we see you regularly, we can spot warning signs before you feel any symptoms, subtle changes in tissue color or texture, slight increases in pocket depth, bleeding that indicates inflammation, or areas where plaque is accumulating despite your best efforts at home. Catching these issues early means we can address them with minor interventions like adjusting your cleaning technique or adding an antimicrobial rinse, rather than waiting until you need another round of intensive deep cleaning treatment.
Shumway Family Dentistry takes a proactive, evidence-based approach to periodontal care. Dr. Shumway is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and is deeply committed to continuing education in the latest periodontal treatment protocols, which means you benefit from current, proven techniques for managing gum disease effectively. We don’t just clean your teeth and send you on your way, we’ll coach you on home care techniques specific to your unique situation.
Keep Your Gums Healthy and Stable
Think of periodontal maintenance as preventive insurance for your smile and your overall health. Once gum disease has been treated, your gums have the potential to remain healthy and stable for years, even decades; but only with consistent professional support. These maintenance visits remove the calculus and bacterial biofilm that build up even with excellent home care, reducing inflammation throughout your mouth and protecting the bone that supports your teeth.
Beyond the clinical benefits, there’s genuine peace of mind in knowing your periodontal health is being monitored by professionals who understand your complete history and care about your outcomes. You won’t have to guess whether you’re doing enough or worry that silent damage is occurring between appointments. Each visit confirms that your gums are responding well to treatment, your home care routine is effective, and your investment in periodontal therapy is paying off exactly as it should.
Schedule Your Periodontal Visit Today
We also provide children’s dental exams & cleanings for younger family members, making it convenient to schedule your periodontal maintenance alongside your children’s regular checkups. This means fewer trips to the dentist, less juggling of schedules, and one trusted team caring for your entire family’s oral health needs. Our practice has earned a strong reputation in the Billings community for gentle care, transparent communication about costs and treatment options.
We’ll work with your schedule to find appointment times that actually work for your family, and make absolutely certain you understand exactly what’s happening at every appointment and why it matters for your long-term health. There’s no pressure to agree to treatment you don’t understand, no judgment about past dental neglect, and no hidden fees. Call (406) 248-7500 now to schedule your next periodontal maintenance visit and take control of your gum health with confidence.
