by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MorePeriodontal maintenance—the cornerstone of long-term gum and implant health—has evolved dramatically over the past ten years. Once viewed simply as a follow-up cleaning after periodontal treatment, today’s maintenance appointments incorporate advanced diagnostic tools, refined instrumentation, and personalized care protocols that go far beyond traditional cleanings. At Cambrian Periodontics & Dental Implants in San Jose, Dr. Rana Baroudi and Dr. Trung H. Nguyen bring together cutting-edge periodontal science and compassionate patient care to ensure that every visit supports lasting oral and overall health.
Periodontal maintenance refers to ongoing professional cleanings and evaluations performed after active periodontal therapy. These visits are designed to prevent gum disease from returning, preserve bone levels, and maintain the stability of both natural teeth and dental implants. Unlike regular cleanings, periodontal maintenance focuses on deeper areas beneath the gums where bacteria and plaque can accumulate and cause inflammation. During each visit, Dr. Baroudi and her team assess gum pocket depths, bone stability, and the health of the surrounding tissues to detect early signs of disease or implant complications. In 2025, these visits have become far more sophisticated, integrating digital tools and scientific insight to provide care that is both proactive and precise.
Ten years ago, periodontal health was primarily evaluated using manual probing and two-dimensional X-rays. Today, advanced diagnostic technologies have completely transformed the process. Digital probing systems now record gum measurements with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating guesswork and improving consistency between visits. Meanwhile, 3D cone-beam CT imaging gives a full picture of bone density and structure, helping identify potential areas of concern before they become serious. These high-resolution images allow for more precise diagnoses and individualized treatment adjustments. With digital data stored securely, your entire periodontal history can be tracked over time, allowing Dr. Baroudi to monitor even subtle changes in gum or bone health and intervene early.
Artificial intelligence has become an invaluable tool in modern periodontal care. Advanced software analyzes radiographs, pocket measurements, and even intraoral photos to identify early warning signs of disease progression. AI-assisted systems now help predict a patient’s future risk for gum inflammation or bone loss by considering genetics, lifestyle, and systemic health factors. This predictive capability enables Dr. Baroudi to create truly personalized maintenance schedules rather than relying on the traditional “every three months” rule. By focusing on individualized care intervals and evidence-based data, periodontal maintenance has become more preventive and less reactive than ever before.
Laser therapy has revolutionized how periodontists manage gum health. Once reserved for surgical treatments, lasers are now frequently used during maintenance visits to sterilize periodontal pockets, remove bacteria, and promote faster healing. Soft-tissue lasers precisely target diseased areas while preserving healthy tissue, reducing discomfort, bleeding, and post-treatment irritation. Patients who have undergone laser periodontal therapy, gum grafting, or bone grafting benefit greatly from this approach, as laser-assisted maintenance helps maintain tissue integrity and lowers the risk of reinfection. The result is a gentler, cleaner, and more efficient experience that promotes long-term gum stability.
Modern periodontal maintenance appointments have replaced many traditional hand instruments with ultrasonic scalers and air-polishing devices that are both effective and comfortable. Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations combined with a fine water mist to dislodge plaque and tartar from deep pockets without damaging the surrounding tissue. Air-polishing systems, using powders such as glycine or erythritol, provide a gentle way to remove biofilm and stains from both natural tooth surfaces and implants. These advancements are especially valuable for patients with dental implants, as they allow for thorough cleaning around delicate implant structures without causing scratches or irritation.
As dental implants have become more common, maintenance protocols have evolved to protect them. Peri-implantitis—an inflammatory condition affecting the bone around implants—requires specialized care. Non-metal instruments such as carbon fiber or plastic-tipped ultrasonic devices are now used to clean implant surfaces safely. 3D imaging helps track bone levels around implants with precision, ensuring early detection of any signs of inflammation. Regular maintenance visits that include implant-specific cleaning and monitoring play a crucial role in preventing complications and extending the lifespan of each implant.
A major development in modern periodontics is the recognition of how gum health affects the entire body. Research continues to confirm links between periodontal inflammation and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even pregnancy complications. For that reason, Dr. Baroudi and Dr. Nguyen approach maintenance care holistically—reviewing your medical history, assessing risk factors, and coordinating with physicians when necessary. By treating periodontal disease as part of overall wellness, patients benefit from improved oral health and reduced systemic inflammation.
In the past, every patient followed the same recall schedule, typically every three or four months. Now, maintenance frequency is determined by a variety of factors, including genetics, medical history, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle. Using AI-driven diagnostics and individualized assessment tools, Dr. Baroudi tailors maintenance intervals to each patient’s specific needs. Some patients may only need to come every six months, while others benefit from more frequent visits. This customized approach prevents overtreatment, ensures efficient care, and helps maintain optimal oral health based on evidence rather than routine.
For patients who experience dental anxiety, sedation dentistry has become an integral part of modern periodontal maintenance. With advances in sedation techniques, even routine cleanings can now be performed comfortably. Depending on your needs, Dr. Baroudi may recommend nitrous oxide or oral sedation for mild relaxation, or IV sedation for deeper comfort during longer or more involved maintenance procedures. These techniques are safe, carefully monitored, and designed to make your experience as relaxing and stress-free as possible.
In 2025, salivary testing has become one of the most exciting tools in preventive dentistry. Quick, non-invasive saliva tests can detect biomarkers that indicate active inflammation or bacterial imbalance even before symptoms develop. These tests help identify patients at higher risk of gum disease recurrence, allowing early intervention. Combined with digital data tracking and personalized care plans, salivary diagnostics have ushered in a new era of precision periodontal maintenance focused on prevention rather than repair.
Digital technology now enhances every aspect of periodontal care. From automated appointment reminders to intraoral photography and 3D imaging, patients have access to detailed, visual progress reports after every visit. Smart toothbrush integration and mobile oral-care apps allow for personalized at-home tracking, while cloud-based records keep all diagnostic data easily accessible. This connected approach helps patients stay engaged and informed about their gum and implant health, leading to better long-term outcomes.
Periodontal maintenance in 2025 is no longer a simple cleaning—it’s a comprehensive, data-driven system that protects your oral health with precision and personalization. By combining digital diagnostics, laser-assisted therapy, AI-guided monitoring, and customized maintenance schedules, periodontists like Dr. Rana Baroudi and Dr. Trung H. Nguyen are redefining what preventive care means. For patients in San Jose and surrounding areas, Cambrian Periodontics & Dental Implants offers the most advanced approach to maintaining gum and implant health available today. Whether you’ve completed scaling and root planing, undergone bone grafting, or received dental implants, modern periodontal maintenance ensures that your results last a lifetime. With the right combination of technology, expertise, and personalized care, the future of gum health is here—and it’s healthier, smarter, and more comfortable than ever before.
