Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
in San Francisco
Anchor Dental (West Portal)

At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we offer periodontal maintenance therapy for patients who have completed deep cleaning and need ongoing care to manage gum disease.

Periodontal maintenance appointments help keep inflammation under control, remove bacteria from deeper areas, and prevent the return of active infection. These visits are typically scheduled every 3–4 months and play a key role in protecting bone health, stabilizing the gums, and maintaining long-term oral comfort.

Targeted gum care to prevent the return of periodontal disease

At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we provide periodontal maintenance therapy for patients who have completed scaling and root planing or have a history of gum disease.
This ongoing care is designed to control inflammation, reduce harmful bacterial buildup, and protect the gums and bone that support your teeth.

Periodontal maintenance visits are typically scheduled every 3–4 months, depending on your gum condition and risk level.
This frequency helps stop periodontal disease from returning or progressing.

What is periodontal maintenance therapy?

Periodontal maintenance therapy is a specialized cleaning for patients with a history of gum disease.
It goes deeper than a routine dental cleaning and focuses on areas where harmful bacteria collect, especially around periodontal pockets.

The goals of periodontal maintenance include:

• Reducing gum inflammation
• Removing plaque and tartar below the gumline
• Stabilizing periodontal pockets
• Preventing further bone loss
• Keeping gums healthy and firm
• Monitoring healing after previous treatment

This approach helps maintain gum stability long term.

Why periodontal maintenance is important

Once gum disease reaches a certain stage, it cannot be reversed — but it can be controlled.
Without regular maintenance:

• Pockets deepen
• Bacteria multiply quickly
• Bone support around teeth weakens
• Teeth can become loose
• Inflammation returns
• Risk of tooth loss increases

Periodontal maintenance helps break this cycle and keeps the gums in a healthier state.

Who needs periodontal maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is recommended if you have:

• Completed scaling and root planing
• Been diagnosed with periodontitis
• Had previous bone loss
• Gum pockets deeper than 4 mm
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• A history of chronic gum inflammation
• Dental implants with early peri-implant inflammation

Patients with systemic health factors — such as diabetes, autoimmune conditions, or smoking history — benefit even more from consistent periodontal care.

What happens during a periodontal maintenance visit?

Your visit includes a series of steps designed to clean deeply and evaluate gum stability.

1. Periodontal charting

We measure pocket depths and compare them to previous visits to watch for any changes.

2. Plaque and tartar removal

Our hygienist removes buildup from the teeth and below the gumline, especially in areas prone to inflammation.

3. Root surface cleaning

If needed, we smooth root surfaces to reduce bacterial accumulation and irritation.

4. Irrigation or medicated rinses

Antibacterial solutions may be used to reduce bacteria in deeper pockets.

5. Polishing

Teeth are polished to remove surface stains and create a smooth finish.

6. Assessment of home care

We review brushing and flossing habits and suggest simple changes that support healthier gums.

7. Pocket monitoring

We track areas that show healing, improvement, or early signs of recurrence.

This visit is more thorough and targeted than a standard cleaning.

How periodontal maintenance differs from regular cleanings

Periodontal maintenance is not optional — it is part of the ongoing treatment plan for periodontitis.

Why every 3–4 months?

Periodontal bacteria can return to harmful levels within 90 days.
By cleaning pockets before bacteria multiply again, we prevent inflammation from restarting.

Appointments spaced every 3–4 months are the most effective way to keep gum disease under control.

Periodontal maintenance therapy and San Francisco lifestyle

Patients across San Francisco often face lifestyle factors that influence gum health, such as:

• High coffee and tea consumption
• Elevated stress levels that impact immunity
• Dry mouth from daily medications
• Tech jobs that promote snacking throughout the day

These factors increase the need for consistent periodontal care and targeted home routines.

Home care recommendations

Periodontal maintenance works best when paired with strong at-home habits:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush
• Use an electric toothbrush if recommended
• Floss daily or use interdental brushes
• Rinse with fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash
• Stay hydrated to support saliva production
• Avoid tobacco or vaping
• Reduce frequent sugary snacks

We customize recommendations based on your gum condition and inflammation patterns.

Common questions

Is periodontal maintenance painful?
Most patients feel comfortable. Numbing can be used for sensitive areas if needed.

Does insurance cover periodontal maintenance?
Many plans cover it under periodontal therapy benefits rather than regular cleaning benefits.

Can I switch back to regular cleanings?
Only if gum pockets fully stabilize and stay consistently healthy.
Most patients with prior periodontitis stay in maintenance permanently.

What happens if I skip visits?
Inflammation can return quickly, and bone loss may progress without symptoms.

Do I still need cleanings if I brush well at home?
Yes — brushing cannot reach bacteria deep below the gumline.

Why patients choose Anchor Dental for periodontal maintenance

• Detailed periodontal charting
• Thorough deep cleaning and monitoring
• Gentle, patient-focused hygienists
• Modern tools for comfortable treatment
• Clear explanations at each visit
• Trusted by families in West Portal, Forest Hill, Noe Valley, and Inner Sunset
• Led by Dr. Esra Salihoglu Yener, DDS, PhD, with a strong focus on gum health and long-term stability

We support you through every stage of maintaining your gum health.

Schedule your periodontal maintenance therapy in San Francisco

If you’ve been treated for gum disease or have ongoing inflammation, periodontal maintenance therapy is the best way to protect your gums and avoid further progression.