THOMAS E. BRAMANTI, DDS, PHD, INC 

5660 N. Fresno Suite 110

Fresno, CA 93710

559-438-7800

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"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Periodontal Maintenance

​Thomas E. Bramanti, D.D.S., Ph.D.


Board-Certified Diplomate American Board of Periodontology/Implant Dentistry

Board-Certified Diplomate American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry

​​Certified TMJ Expert, The Pankey Institute

Fellow American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Clinical Assistant Professor at UCSF in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Clinical Assistant Professor UCSF-Fresno Medical Education Program, School of Medicine 

"A sanctuary of clinical excellence"

Ephesians 2:10

"We invite you to make an appointment today.

We are looking forward to serving you!"

Periodontal Disease & Supportive Periodontal Care

After Dr. Bramanti has completed the active phase of periodontal treatment, your periodontal disease will be under control. He will prescribe for you with a personalized maintenance program of care to keep your gums healthy.

Maintenance therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent disease in the gum tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Adherence to a program of conscientious home oral care and regularly scheduled maintenance therapy visits with your dentist and Dr. Bramanti will give you an excellent chance of keeping your teeth for your lifetime.


Why is Supportive Periodontal Care Important?

As you have learned, you are susceptible to gum disease. And, you have probably learned, too, that the main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. The bacteria in this plaque produce toxins, or poisons, which constantly attack your gums and teeth. Unless plaque is removed, it hardens into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Daily brushing and flossing will help to minimize the formation of calculus, but it won’t completely prevent it. No matter how careful you are in cleaning your teeth and gums, bacterial plaque can cause a recurrence of gum disease from two to four months after your last professional cleaning. Therefore, a dental professional must check for hidden problems and remove the hardened plaque at time intervals appropriate for you so that your teeth and gums stay healthy.


Who Should Perform Supportive Periodontal Therapy?

The answer depends on you and the severity of your gum disease before treatment. Generally, the more severe your periodontal disease is initially, the need to oversee your care will be more often. Together, you, your general dentist and Dr. Bramanti will work out the most effective schedule for your supportive periodontal care.

Your maintenance/supportive periodontal care visit may include:

  • discussion of any changes in your health history
  • examination of your mouth tissues for abnormal changes
  • measurement of the depth of pockets around your teeth
  • assessment of your oral hygiene habits and provision of instruction
  • removal of bacterial plaque and tartar
  • x-ray film studies to evaluate your teeth and the bone supporting your teeth
  • checkup on the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • application or prescription of medications to reduce tooth sensitivity or other problems you may have



How Often Should You Have Supportive Periodontal Care Visits?

Your periodontal condition is the deciding factor. The interval between your supportive periodontal care (SPC) visits might be as often as every few weeks or as infrequent as every six months. Everyone’s situation is different.

The frequency of your supportive care visits will be influenced by:

  • the type of periodontal disease you have
  • the type of periodontal treatment you have
  • your response to treatment
  • your rate of plaque growth your personal commitment to good oral care at home

What is the Relationship Between Your Dentist and Your Periodontist?

Your dentist and Dr. Bramanti work together as a team to provide you with the best possible care. They combine their experience to formulate the best maintenance plan for you. They keep each other informed about your progress. Although a periodontist may see you periodically for evaluation of your maintenance therapy, you will primarily see your general dentist and the dental hygiene team. Appointments for periodontal maintenance do not replace regular dental checkups. Your general dentist is primarily responsible for your overall dental health, including such dental needs as filling new or recurrent cavities or making changes in fillings, crowns or bridges.

To prevent periodontal disease, the major cause of tooth loss in adults—and keep your natural teeth for your lifetime—carefully and conscientiously follow the guidelines of the maintenance program that Dr. Bramanti recommends. Protecting your periodontal health through preventive maintenance has great benefits for you. You will be able to chew with more comfort, and you will be able to smile and speak with greater confidence. You will be able to keep dental costs down by preventing future problems. Your commitment to maintenance therapy is your commitment to better and lasting oral health.