D4910 represents the procedure for periodontal maintenance. It encompasses the measures taken following active periodontal therapy to maintain the health and stability of the periodontium. This involves the removal of plaque and calculus, site-specific scaling and root planing where indicated, and the assessment of periodontal conditions. An example includes a patient who has completed scaling and root planing and now receives maintenance therapy every three months.
This procedure is crucial for preventing the recurrence of periodontal disease. Maintaining optimal periodontal health through regular maintenance appointments helps reduce inflammation, prevent bone loss, and ultimately preserve teeth. Historically, this code replaced earlier codes that were less specific about the procedures involved in maintaining periodontal health after active treatment.