What is Periodontal Treatment?

 

Periodontal treatment focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease — a condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of your teeth. Healthy gums are essential for a strong smile, but they also play an important role in your overall health, with gum disease being linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions.

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Why Gum Health Matters

Gum disease happens when plaque bacteria build up along and under the gumline. If left untreated, this can cause:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

• Bad breath

• Gum recession (gums pulling away from teeth)

• Bone loss and loose teeth

Early stage gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) needs specialist treatment to prevent tooth loss and protect your general health.

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Types of Periodontal Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatments

1. Professional cleaning – Removes plaque and tartar above the gumline.

2. Scaling & root planing – Deep cleaning below the gumline to remove bacteria and smooth tooth roots so gums can heal.

3. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) & Airflow cleaning – Gentle, precise cleaning that targets harmful bacteria while protecting your teeth and gums.

Ongoing Maintenance

Gum disease is a chronic condition, so regular hygiene visits are essential to keep it under control. Most patients benefit from appointments every 3–4 months.

Surgical Treatments (for advanced cases)

If gum pockets are deep and bone loss has occurred, surgical options may be needed to clean infected areas or regenerate lost tissue.

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Periodontal treatment can be done under local anaesthesia or using numbing gel if required.

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The Link Between Gum Health & General Health

Scientific studies show that gum disease can increase the risk of:

• Heart disease & stroke – Inflammation in the gums can affect blood vessels.

• Diabetes complications – Gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.

• Pregnancy complications – Linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

• Respiratory infections – Bacteria can travel from the mouth to the lungs.

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What to Expect at Your Visit

• A gentle but thorough gum health assessment

• Measuring gum pockets to check for signs of disease

• Professional cleaning tailored to your needs

• Advice on home care and the right tools to use