Gum Treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease
Bleeding when brushing, swollen red gums or persistent bad breath usually signal gum inflammation from tartar under the gum line. Left alone it reaches the bone that holds the teeth, which loosens them.
Early stages are treated with a full-mouth scaling. When tartar has gone deeper, root planing cleans the root surface below the gum, taking three to five visits of about 30 minutes each.
Where the gum has receded or bone has been lost, gum and bone grafting surgery is available. Your dentist assesses this from the examination and X-rays first.
Common questions
What is the difference between scaling and root planing?
Scaling cleans above and just below the gum line. Root planing goes deeper below the gum and is used when inflammation has advanced.
Is bleeding when brushing normal?
No. It usually signals gum inflammation. Come in for a check, and keep brushing the area rather than avoiding it.
How many visits does it take?
A routine scaling is one visit. Root planing takes three to five, depending on severity and how many teeth are involved.
Often viewed together
- All-on-4 Full-Arch Implants A fixed full row of teeth on four implants, every step done in one clinic. One price covers the whole course, quoted before you start, with nothing added during treatment.
- Clear Aligners Angel Aligner and Invisalign clear aligners with a digital scan, a simulated result before you commit, and the full course price quoted up front
- Metal Braces Fixed metal braces with a treatment plan agreed before you start and a choice of band colours at every visit