Gum (Periodontal) Treatment

Bleeding when you brush, gums that look swollen or have receded, bad breath that will not go away, and teeth that feel slightly loose are the usual signs. It is often painless until it is quite advanced, which is why the condition goes unnoticed for years. A periodontal assessment measures the pocket depths around each tooth.

Gingivitis, the early stage, is reversible: with professional cleaning and good daily hygiene the gums usually heal completely. Once the supporting bone has been lost, that loss is not reversible, but the disease can be stabilised and the remaining bone protected. The aim is to stop progression, not to restore what is gone.

Scaling and root planing cleans below the gum line, usually under local anaesthetic. The clinician lifts the gum to access the root surfaces, smooths them, and removes the deposits. It is commonly done in two visits, followed by a review after six to eight weeks to check whether the pockets have reduced.

It is uncomfortable, and afterwards the teeth often feel more sensitive and the gums look slightly different while they settle. Some recession can happen where the disease has already destroyed supporting tissue, because the swelling goes down. Your clinician should explain beforehand what is likely to happen in your case.

Gum disease is a long-term condition and the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Treatment is not a one-off cure. Maintenance visits, usually every three to four months, are what keeps the disease stable, and skipping them is the most common reason it progresses again.