Periodontists treat gum disease by first identifying how advanced it is, then removing harmful bacteria and deposits from around the teeth before using more advanced treatments where necessary to control the disease and protect the gums, teeth and supporting bone.
Gum disease is incredibly common, but that does not mean bleeding or swollen gums should simply be accepted. In its early form, known as gingivitis, the problem can often be reversed with professional cleaning and better daily oral care. If it develops into periodontitis, the infection can begin damaging the tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place, making specialist treatment particularly important.
What Happens During A Periodontal Assessment?
Treatment starts with understanding exactly what is happening beneath the gum line. Our expert periodontist will carefully examine the gums, looking for inflammation, recession and periodontal pockets around the teeth.
The depth of these pockets can be measured with a periodontal probe, while X-rays or other imaging may be used to check whether there has been any loss of supporting bone. This gives a much clearer picture of the condition and helps determine which treatment is appropriate.
This initial assessment is important because gum disease does not look the same in every person. Someone with mild inflammation may need very different care from someone with deeper pockets, bone loss or loose teeth.
How Is Early Gum Disease Treated?
When gum disease is caught early, treatment may be relatively straightforward. Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that cannot always be removed effectively with brushing alone, while the patient is shown how to improve their cleaning routine at home.
Brushing twice a day and cleaning carefully between the teeth are particularly important because bacteria can quickly build up again. The aim is not simply to make the gums look healthier for a few days, but to give the patient the knowledge and habits needed to keep inflammation under control.
When gum disease is caught early, treatment may be relatively straightforward.
What If Gum Disease Has Progressed?
When periodontitis has developed, we may need to clean much further beneath the gum line. One treatment used for this is root surface debridement, which removes deposits and bacteria from the surfaces of the tooth roots and periodontal pockets.
In some cases, antibiotics may also be considered. They are not necessary for everyone, and treatment is generally focused on physically removing the bacteria and deposits responsible for the inflammation.
When Is Gum Surgery Needed?
More advanced gum disease can sometimes require periodontal surgery. This may be considered when deeper areas cannot be adequately treated with non-surgical cleaning alone or where there has already been significant damage to the supporting tissues.
Depending on the individual case, specialist periodontal procedures may be used to manage the disease and, in selected situations, regenerate damaged bone or tissue. The important thing is that surgery is not automatically required simply because someone has gum disease. The periodontist will assess the condition first and recommend treatment based on what is actually happening.
Can Gum Disease Be Completely Cured?
It depends on the stage. Gingivitis can often be reversed when the cause is addressed and good oral hygiene is maintained. Established periodontitis is different because damage to the supporting bone and tissues may be permanent.
However, this does not mean there is nothing that can be done. With appropriate specialist treatment and ongoing maintenance, periodontal disease can often be managed and its progression controlled.
This is why maintenance matters so much. Once active treatment has finished, regular periodontal reviews and professional cleaning can help keep the gums stable, alongside a consistent home care routine.
Gingivitis can often be reversed when the cause is addressed and good oral hygiene is maintained.
How Can Dr Simon Stern At The Perio Centre Help?
Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist at The Perio Centre, with training in diagnosing, preventing and treating periodontal disease. He provides personalised treatment for gum disease, gum recession, bone loss and other conditions affecting the tissues around the teeth.
Rather than taking a one size fits all approach, Dr Stern assesses the individual condition of your gums and supporting structures before creating a treatment plan around your needs. The Perio Centre provides treatments ranging from non-surgical periodontal therapy and advanced hygiene to periodontal surgery and other specialist procedures where required.
If your gums regularly bleed, appear swollen or have started to recede, or you have noticed changes in the stability of your teeth, it is worth getting them properly assessed rather than waiting for the problem to become more noticeable. The Perio Centre is based at 107 Harley Street in London and you can contact our friendly team directly if you are concerned about your gum health!
Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist at The Perio Centre. His qualifications include BDS MJDF RCS (Eng) MClinDent MPerio RCS (Ed). He lectures at both national and international conferences, and has published papers in several well-respected journals.
