Healthy gums that keep implants lasting
Gum (Periodontal) Treatment
My gums bleed or are swollen. What treatment do I need?
Bleeding or swollen gums can be an early sign of gingivitis or periodontitis. Mild cases improve with scaling, but if inflammation has reached the bone, deep cleaning or gum surgery may be needed. Left untreated, teeth can loosen or fall out, so early diagnosis by a periodontist matters.
When you may need it
- Your gums often bleed when you brush
- Your gums are swollen or red, or bad breath has worsened
- Teeth feel loose or gaps are opening between them
- The gums around an implant are swollen or sensitive
Diagnosis
We measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums with a probe, and check bone loss on panoramic X-ray or CT. Depending on how far the inflammation has spread, we decide whether scaling is enough or surgical treatment is needed.
Treatment
Early stages are treated with scaling and root planing to remove tartar and plaque. Deeper inflammation is cleaned with curettage, and advanced periodontitis is treated with flap surgery to restore bone and gum tissue. Regular maintenance afterwards prevents recurrence.
Recovery
After scaling or root planing, most people return to normal within 1–2 days. After gum surgery there may be swelling and sensitivity for 1–2 weeks, and the gums fully settle in about 4–6 weeks.
What we offer
- ·Scaling to manage early gum inflammation
- ·Deep cleaning (curettage) to remove tartar below the gumline
- ·Periodontal (flap) surgery for advanced periodontitis
- ·Gingivoplasty to reshape gums and restore function
- ·Treatment and prevention of peri-implantitis
- ·Regular periodontal maintenance check-ups
Talk to a specialist before treatment
The right treatment depends on your oral and general health.
Our periodontist will examine you and recommend the best approach. English-speaking staff are available.