Periodontics
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Susie Zhang, General Dentist at Starlight Dental. BDS (King’s College London).
Diagnosing gum disease
We measure gum pocket depth around every tooth, check for bleeding and bone loss, and grade the severity, from early gingivitis to more advanced periodontitis, so treatment matches exactly what’s happening, not a generic protocol.
Gum treatment
For gum disease beyond what a routine cleaning can manage, gum treatment (scaling and root planing) removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth root so gums can reattach and heal, usually done under local anaesthetic, in one or more visits. For some patients, we also use a dental laser alongside this to help reduce bacteria in the pocket and support healing.
Ongoing management
Gum disease is manageable, not usually curable outright, so most patients move onto a more frequent maintenance cleaning schedule afterwards, along with guidance on the specific habits that keep it from progressing.
Sources: American Academy of Periodontology, Best Evidence Consensus on Lasers (2018)
FAQs
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Bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, or gums that look red or puffy are the early signs, worth a check even if it doesn’t hurt.
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Early gingivitis often is, with good cleaning and home care. More advanced periodontitis can be managed and stopped from progressing, but bone loss already caused isn’t reversed.
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It’s done under local anaesthetic if needed, so you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment, some sensitivity for a few days afterwards is normal.