Destructive periodontal disease is largely preventable, but is occasionally stubborn and tenacious, requiring complex and frequent intervention by the dental professional. The word Supportive although close to the word maintenance involves a more active role and broader approach than does maintenance alone, the goal being to maintain a plaque-free dentition. Maintenance of periodontal health following therapy includes a life long supportive care consisting of daily removal of the microbial plaque by the patient, supplemented by professional care in an individually designed programme.Supportive periodontal therapy is usually started following the completion of active periodontal therapy & continues at varying intervals for the life of dentition or its implant replacements.
