Your gums may feel tender and sore for a few days after scaling and root planing. Your dentist will ask you to return to the office for a follow-up appointments called periodontal maintenance. Periodontal Maintenance is required every 3-4 months in order to maintain periodontal health and to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease. In some cases, scaling and root planing will not be enough to treat the periodontal disease. More advanced therapies may necessary such as osseous surgery.