Periodontal maintenance
A typical case, in 6 steps over 2 visits. Typically repeated every 3 to 12 months, based on gum health and risk. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Periodontal maintenance · Visit 1
Health check
The visit starts with a check of general health and gum health.
Source: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Steps in a typical case
Health check
The visit starts with a check of general health and gum health.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Cleaning above the gums
Plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth above the gumline.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Cleaning deeper pockets
Any deep pockets that remain after earlier gum treatment are cleaned below the gumline.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Home care review
Brushing and cleaning between the teeth are reviewed. Habits that raise the risk of gum disease, such as smoking, are talked about.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Daily care at home
Between visits, the usual routine is brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth daily and regular dental visits.
Visit 1 · Source 2
Repeat visits
Visits usually last 45 to 60 minutes. They repeat every 3 to 12 months, based on gum health and risk. If gum disease comes back, more treatment may be needed.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically 1 visit of 45 to 60 minutes each time. Source 1 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typically repeated every 3 to 12 months, based on gum health and risk. Source 1 |
| How long it lasts | Typically continues for the life of the teeth. Source 3 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep: brushing twice a day, cleaning between teeth daily and regular dental visits. Source 2 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes 2 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D4910).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Treatment of stage I-III periodontitis: the EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline (J Clin Periodontol 2020). European Federation of Periodontology (peer-reviewed, PMC). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7891343. Accessed November 10, 2026.
- Gum disease. ADA MouthHealthy. www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/gum-disease. Accessed November 10, 2026.
- D4910 coding for periodontal maintenance. American Dental Association. www.ada.org/resources/practice/dental-insurance/d4910-coding-for-periodontal-maintenance. Accessed November 10, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.1. Billing codes for the typical case: D4910.