Periodontal reassessment
The gums are evaluated for pocket depth, bleeding, inflammation, recession, and other changes that affect periodontal stability.
Periodontal maintenance in Seattle
Periodontal maintenance is ongoing professional care for patients with a history of periodontitis after active treatment has been completed.
Dr. Jaime Lee uses each maintenance visit to remove new bacterial deposits and monitor whether pocket depths, bleeding, gum position, and tooth support remain stable.
Ongoing periodontal control
How is a gum maintenance cleaning different from a regular cleaning?
A routine preventive cleaning is designed for patients without active or previously treated periodontitis.
Periodontal maintenance continues disease-specific care after treatment because the gums and supporting tissues need repeated evaluation at sites where periodontitis has already occurred.
- Monitor previously treated periodontal sites
- Remove new plaque and tartar around the roots
- Track pocket depth and bleeding changes
- Adjust the maintenance interval to periodontal stability
What happens during a gum maintenance cleaning?
Professional debridement
Plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth and root surfaces according to the areas that require periodontal maintenance.
Treatment escalation when needed
If a site becomes unstable, Dr. Lee determines whether additional nonsurgical treatment or specialist periodontal care is indicated.
What are the steps of a gum maintenance visit?
- Review the previous periodontal condition. Dr. Lee uses prior measurements and treatment history as the baseline for ongoing evaluation.
- Measure current stability. Pocket depths, bleeding, inflammation, gum position, and tooth support are compared with previous findings.
- Complete maintenance cleaning. The dental team removes plaque and tartar from the sites requiring professional periodontal care.
- Set the next interval. Dr. Lee determines the timing of the next visit from the stability of the tissues and the patient's periodontal risk.
Do I need gum maintenance cleanings after gum disease treatment?
Periodontal maintenance is intended for patients with a history of periodontitis whose treated sites still need ongoing pocket measurement, root-surface cleaning, and disease-specific monitoring.
Dr. Lee uses the current periodontal measurements to distinguish this care from a routine preventive cleaning.
When do gum maintenance cleanings begin?
Maintenance begins after active periodontal treatment and reassessment establish the need for ongoing professional management.
The interval can change over time as Dr. Lee evaluates stability, recurrence, home care, medical factors, and the response of individual sites.
What affects the cost of gum maintenance cleanings?
Cost is based on the periodontal maintenance service, diagnostic needs, and any additional treatment required for unstable sites. PPO coverage varies because periodontal maintenance is classified differently from routine preventive cleaning.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Smile Art can verify how your dental benefits apply to periodontal maintenance.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee uses longitudinal periodontal measurements to determine whether previously treated sites remain stable and to change the maintenance plan when the findings change.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I on periodontal maintenance instead of regular cleanings?
A history of periodontitis changes the type of professional care needed because previously diseased periodontal sites require ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Can I go back to regular cleanings?
Dr. Lee chooses the cleaning or periodontal service from your diagnosis, dental history, current gum measurements, and long-term stability.
What happens if a periodontal site gets worse?
Dr. Lee evaluates the site and determines whether additional nonsurgical treatment, diagnostic imaging, or specialist periodontal care is appropriate.
How often will I need periodontal maintenance?
The interval is individualized according to periodontal stability, risk factors, home care, and previous disease patterns.
Does periodontal maintenance replace home care?
No. Daily plaque control remains important because professional maintenance and home care address different parts of long-term periodontal management.
Does insurance cover periodontal maintenance?
Coverage varies by PPO plan. Smile Art can verify the benefit associated with the periodontal maintenance code in your plan.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.