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Periodontal Maintenance in Tinley Park, IL

For patients who have been treated for gum disease, the work does not stop after the initial treatment is complete. Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing program designed to prevent disease from returning, preserve the results of treatment, and catch any new signs of infection before they progress.

At North Creek Dental Care, board-certified periodontist Dr. Charles H. Goodman oversees customized periodontal maintenance programs for patients throughout Tinley Park and the Southland area. Our periodontist in Tinley Park coordinates seamlessly with your general dentist to keep your gum health on track between visits, and North Creek Dental Care is a proud two-time Southland’s Best Dental Office winner for 2024 and 2025.

Accepting New Patients

Stay Ahead of Gum Disease with Specialist Maintenance in Tinley Park


North Creek Dental Care's board-certified periodontist Dr. Charles Goodman DDS MS provides ongoing periodontal maintenance so your results last -- no separate specialist office required.

  • Board-certified periodontist on staff for ongoing care
  • Periodontal maintenance visits every 3-4 months as needed
  • Most PPO insurance accepted -- financing available
Periodontal maintenance appointment at North Creek Dental Care in Tinley Park
Dental treatment technology used during a periodontal maintenance visit

What a Periodontal Maintenance Visit Includes

Periodontal maintenance is a more thorough appointment than a standard cleaning, built specifically for patients with a history of gum disease. Each visit typically includes:

  • Measurement of pocket depths to track any changes since your last visit
  • Removal of plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line
  • Evaluation of your gum tissue for inflammation, recession, or new infection
  • Review of your at-home hygiene routine and any needed adjustments
  • Imaging when clinically indicated to monitor bone levels

The scope of each visit is tailored to what Dr. Goodman observes in your tissue, not a fixed checklist.

Patient smiling during a dental exam at North Creek Dental Care

How Often You Need Maintenance Visits

Most patients who have completed periodontal treatment are seen every three to four months, though your specific interval depends on your disease history, tissue response, and daily hygiene habits.

3–4Month recall schedules are linked to significantly lower rates of disease recurrence than six-month or annual intervals, per research published by the National Institutes of Health.
Comfortable dental treatment environment at North Creek Dental Care

Maintenance Visits and Your General Dentist

Periodontal maintenance with Dr. Goodman does not replace your regular visits with your general dentist. Your general dentist continues to handle routine exams and cleanings, while Dr. Goodman focuses specifically on the health of the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. In many cases, alternating visits between the two provides the most complete coverage of your oral health, and because both providers are part of the same practice, your records and treatment history stay connected.

Don't Let Progress Slip

Why Skipping Maintenance Is Costly

Patients who delay or skip periodontal maintenance often see the disease return, sometimes requiring additional scaling and root planing or more advanced treatment such as guided tissue regeneration to recover lost ground. If it has been longer than recommended since your last visit, it is not too late to get back on schedule. Dr. Goodman will re-evaluate your current tissue health and set the right interval going forward.

Schedule Your Visit
Happy senior couple enjoying time together after maintaining their oral health

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Maintenance

No. A routine cleaning is designed for patients with healthy gums and focuses on plaque and tartar above the gum line. Periodontal maintenance is for patients with a history of gum disease and includes a deeper assessment of pocket depths, cleaning below the gum line, and tissue evaluation.
Most patients with a history of periodontal disease are seen every three to four months. Dr. Goodman determines your specific interval based on your tissue response, plaque growth rate, and overall periodontal stability.
Periodontal disease can progress again fairly quickly without regular maintenance. Patients who skip scheduled visits are at higher risk of disease recurrence, which can mean deeper pockets, additional bone loss, and the need for retreatment.
Many PPO dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal maintenance, often distinguishing it from routine cleanings. Our team can help verify your specific benefits, and we also accept CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and HSA and FSA accounts.
Yes. Dr. Goodman is happy to take over ongoing maintenance care for patients who completed active periodontal treatment elsewhere. He will conduct a thorough re-evaluation at your first visit and set a maintenance plan based on your current tissue health.
Stable periodontal disease is marked by pocket depths that are not increasing, minimal bleeding on probing, and no signs of active infection or progressive bone loss. Dr. Goodman monitors these markers at every maintenance visit.

Schedule Your Periodontal Maintenance Appointment at North Creek Dental Care

Research consistently shows that patients who stay on a regular periodontal maintenance schedule have significantly better long-term outcomes than those who return to standard cleanings alone. Dr. Goodman and our team are committed to making that continuity of care accessible and convenient for every patient we see. Contact our office today to set up your periodontal maintenance schedule and stay one step ahead of gum disease.

Child smiling during pediatric dental visit at North Creek Dental Care in Tinley Park
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