What is the primary goal of periodontal maintenance therapy?

The primary goal of periodontal maintenance therapy is to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease. This therapy is essential for patients who have been treated for periodontal disease to ensure that the condition does not return or worsen. Periodontal maintenance involves routine scaling and root planing, monitoring of periodontal health, and patient education on oral hygiene practices. By maintaining regular visits and professional cleanings, patients can keep their periodontal disease under control, promoting long-term oral health and stability of the periodontium.

Other objectives like performing surgical interventions or ensuring cosmetic improvements may occur in certain contexts, but they are not the primary focus of maintenance therapy. Surgical interventions are generally reserved for cases where there is significant tissue loss or disease that requires more intensive management. Cosmetic improvements may be a beneficial side effect of maintaining periodontal health, but they are not the underlying reason for maintenance therapy. Likewise, while reducing dental costs is a consideration for both patients and providers, it is not the main purpose of periodontal maintenance, which is fundamentally centered on disease prevention.