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Gum Disease Treatment
A periodontal-specialist-led approach from early-stage gingivitis through advanced gum surgery, with treatment plans tailored to your specific clinical picture.
Gum disease isn't just about gums
Untreated periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and is linked to wider health concerns including cardiovascular issues and diabetes complications. The early signs are often subtle — occasional bleeding while brushing, mild sensitivity, gum recession — which is why we recommend professional assessment at the first symptoms.
The good news: early gum disease (gingivitis) is fully reversible with prompt treatment, and even advanced cases can be successfully managed with modern periodontal techniques.
How gum disease progresses
Early intervention drastically changes outcomes. Here’s what each stage typically looks like and how we treat it.
Gingivitis
What it looks like: Red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. No bone loss yet.
Treatment: Professional cleaning + improved home care. Fully reversible.
Early Periodontitis
What it looks like: Pockets begin forming between teeth and gums. Slight bone loss visible on X-ray.
Treatment: Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) under local anaesthesia.
Moderate Periodontitis
What it looks like: Deeper pockets, noticeable gum recession, mild tooth mobility.
Treatment: Scaling + root planing, possible flap surgery to access deep pockets.
Advanced Periodontitis
What it looks like: Significant bone loss, loose teeth, possible abscesses.
Treatment: Flap surgery, bone grafting, regenerative procedures. Tooth replacement planning where indicated.
When to see a dentist
Book a periodontal assessment if you notice any of the following — the sooner caught, the simpler the treatment.
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth in adulthood
- Changes in your bite or how dentures fit
Common questions about gum treatment
It’s done under local anaesthesia so the procedure itself is comfortable. You may have mild gum tenderness for 1–2 days after, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Early-stage cases are often resolved in 1–2 cleaning sessions plus home-care guidance. Moderate cases need quadrant-by-quadrant scaling spread over 2–4 visits. Advanced cases involving flap surgery typically need a treatment plan spanning 3–6 months.
Periodontal disease is manageable, not curable. With regular maintenance cleanings (typically every 3–6 months for treated patients) and good home care, it can be kept inactive long-term.
Many dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing. Coverage for advanced procedures (flap surgery, bone grafting) varies. Our front office can help check your specific plan benefits before treatment begins.
In some moderate-to-advanced cases, non-surgical scaling combined with adjunctive antimicrobial therapy can stabilise the condition. Whether surgery is needed depends on pocket depth, bone loss and your response to initial therapy.
Concerned about your gums?
Book a 20-minute periodontal assessment with our specialist team.