Periodontal disease is caused by the build-up of bacteria as plaque on the teeth. If left untreated, the infection progresses from the gums into the bone that supports the teeth, and today it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in the adult population.
Gum disease progresses without obvious symptoms: gums that don’t hurt aren’t necessarily healthy. That’s why early diagnosis and regular maintenance are the most important part of treatment.
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
When gum inflammation progresses, scaling and root planing thoroughly cleans the roots of the teeth to remove the bacterial deposits that cause bleeding and bone loss. It’s done quadrant by quadrant, under local anaesthesia for your comfort.
Periodontitis treatment
- Deep disinfection: removal of bacteria and subgingival tartar through scaling and root planing.
- Infection control: localised antibiotics or hygiene protocols depending on the case.
- Periodontal maintenance: regular check-ups to monitor pocket depth and prevent relapse.
When periodontitis has already destroyed part of the supporting bone, we consider periodontal bone regeneration to restore the tooth’s stability.
Crown lengthening
A surgical technique that exposes more healthy tooth structure, necessary for the success of certain reconstructions or prosthetic restorations on worn or damaged teeth.
Gingivectomy
Microsurgery that reshapes the contour of the gum when it covers too much of the tooth, indicated in cases of a “gummy smile”. It’s a quick, painless, minimally invasive procedure, usually part of a dental aesthetics plan. If what you’re looking for is lightening the colour of the gum rather than reshaping its contour, see correcting dark gums.
Whenever the case allows, we perform these surgeries with periodontal microsurgery, with minimal incisions and a more comfortable recovery.
Gum grafts
Resolves the sensitivity and cosmetic wear of receding gums by covering the exposed root with the patient’s own tissue, using minimally invasive techniques and local anaesthesia.
Periodontics and implants
Healthy gums are a requirement before placing dental implants: untreated periodontitis is one of the main causes of long-term implant failure. That’s why, if you have a history of gum disease, we always start by stabilising your gums.
Related treatments
- Crown Lengthening A surgical technique that exposes more healthy tooth structure, needed for prosthetic restorations on worn teeth or to correct a gummy smile.
- Correcting Dark Gums Gum depigmentation to lighten gums darkened by melanin build-up, using laser or minimally invasive surgical techniques, with a stable result.
- Gum Graft A tissue graft to cover the exposed root of receding gums, using minimally invasive techniques and local anaesthesia, improving sensitivity and the appearance of the smile.
- Periodontal Microsurgery Periodontal surgery carried out under magnification with a microscope or high-power loupes, with minimal incisions to treat the gum with greater precision and a faster recovery.
- Periodontal Bone Regeneration Regenerating bone lost to periodontitis using grafts and membranes, to restore the tooth's bone support and halt the progression of gum disease.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have gum disease?
The most common sign is bleeding gums when brushing, although in many cases there's no obvious sign at all. That's why we recommend regular check-ups: early diagnosis is the most important part of treatment.
Can periodontitis be cured?
It can be controlled and its progression stopped with the right treatment and regular maintenance, although bone that has already been lost doesn't grow back on its own.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
It's carried out under local anaesthesia, so you won't feel pain during treatment. It's normal to notice some sensitivity in the following days.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance?
It depends on the case, but for patients with periodontitis we usually recommend check-ups every 3 to 4 months to monitor pocket depth and prevent relapse.