Long-term care

Long-term periodontal care

Long-term periodontal care is relevant to all patients. It combines aspects of both prevention and treatment, and involves ongoing monitoring of risk factors for disease, disease status and PMPR, where needed, on a risk-assessed basis. It aims to:

• prevent the development of primary disease in those with a diagnosis of periodontal health;
• prevent disease recurring in patients with a diagnosis of gingivitis or periodontitis;
• recognise new or recurrent disease at an early stage;
• support patients with a diagnosis of periodontitis sustain improvements gained during active treatment. 

The recall interval and level of care provided in the long-term is based on the individual patient’s risk profile and periodontal status. Therefore, long-term care will vary based on the patient’s diagnosis (health, gingivitis or periodontitis) and the presence or absence of risk factors which may promote or worsen active disease. If, during long-term care, initial disease or recurrence is detected, appropriate (re)treatment should be considered and provided in agreement with the patient. 

Periodontal assessment is part of the holistic process of oral health assessment and recall intervals will also depend on an assessment of the patient’s risk of developing other oral diseases such as caries and oral cancer (see Risk assessment tool). 

Sufficient time is required at each recall appointment to carry out examination and any required care effectively. Patients who have previously received active treatment for periodontitis will likely require longer appointments than those receiving care focussing on primary prevention of disease.