What changed after your deep cleaning

A deep cleaning removes tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces below the gumline so gums can heal and tighten. It does not restore bone that was lost, so pockets usually get shallower but do not disappear. Those pockets are the issue. Bacteria rebuild there in about 90 days, which is why the interval is three to four months instead of six.

How maintenance differs from a regular cleaning

Patients sometimes ask to go back to a "regular cleaning" because it is cheaper or covered differently. I understand. But a regular cleaning on gums with pockets leaves the infection in place, and by law we treat what we diagnose.

• Frank cleans below the gumline in the treated areas, not just the visible tooth
• He re-measures pocket depths each visit and compares them to your baseline
• Areas that are not responding get extra attention or a referral to Dr. Shah
• It is coded differently to your insurance, as periodontal maintenance rather than a prophylaxis

What we watch for

Pockets that deepen again, bleeding on probing, loose teeth, or bone changes on X-rays. If things are stable for a long stretch, we talk about whether the interval can lengthen. If they are not, our periodontist Dr. Shah sees patients here at mend for advanced care, with the same records.

Coverage

Most PPO plans cover periodontal maintenance, often at a different frequency or percentage than regular cleanings. We verify your benefits and tell you what to expect before each visit.