What is periodontal treatment?

Periodontitis or gum disease causes a range of problems such as bad breath and infections. Periodontal treatment aims to heal the gums which are afflicted by gum disease. Gum disease can be minor and unnoticeable but has the potential to develop into a severe problem, as it is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults. 

You or your dentist may notice the symptoms of gum disease. Your dentist will refer you for a full periodontal assessment (LINK) in order to give you a definitive diagnosis and decide what level of treatment you may need. 

What are periodontal disease symptoms?

• Bleeding gums.
• Chronic bad breath.
• Red or swollen gums.
• Loose teeth.
• Large gaps between your teeth.
• Recurrent infections.
• Receding gums.

How long would treatment take?

Periodontal treatment may need to be done over the space of one or two dental visits, but can vary from person to person as we tailor the treatment to you. Your dentist will advise you on your own specific requirements once you’ve had a consultation.

Will it hurt?

Treatment might be painful, but this would depend on which treatment you are having, and how severe your gum disease is. If you are at risk of severe pain, your dentist may advise a local anaesthetic. 

Is it surgical?

Surgery may be necessary depending on how severe your case of gum disease is – which is why it is important to seek treatment before your gum disease progresses to this point. Closed surgery would be used if tartar build-up has occurred just below the gum line, while open surgery may be needed if the tartar build-up has gone deeper under the gumline. 

For a breakdown of treatments and pricing, see the table below: