How A Periodontist Treats Gum Disease: Step-By-Step Guide

Whites Dental Waterloo

Example Icon 0208 616 0590

Example Icon 172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER

Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)

Example Icon 0203 576 2325

Example Icon 52B Kendal St, St George's Fields, London W2 2BP

Gum disease is one of the most common health conditions affecting nearly 50% of adults in London. Yet it is often overlooked. While early gum issues such as gum inflammation and bleeding gums (also called gingivitis) can usually be reversed, more advanced stages of the disease (called periodontitis) requires specialised care to address. That’s where a periodontist comes in.

At Whites Dental, with clinics in Waterloo (SE1) and Marble Arch (W2), our team provides advanced periodontal treatments to help restore gum health, save teeth, and prevent long-term complications.

In this article, we’ll take you step by step through how a periodontist in London treats gum disease — from diagnosis to ongoing maintenance.


👩‍⚕️ Step 1: Comprehensive Periodontal Examination

The very first stage in managing or treating gum disease is a full and detailed assessment of the health of your gum health by a specialist – a periodontist in this case.

Your gums, teeth and supporting bone structure are carefully examined by the specialist. Using specialised tools, the periodontist measures “pocket depth” — the spaces between the teeth and gums where harmful bacteria can accumulate.

Digital X-rays are usually also taken to assess bone loss and determine the severity of gum disease. This evaluation helps create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific gum health needs.


🔍 Step 2: Identifying The Stage Of Gum Disease

Gum disease progresses in stages.

By accurately diagnosing the stage, your periodontist ensures that treatment is both effective and minimally invasive where possible.


🧹 Step 3: Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment

For many patients, the first line of defence is non-surgical treatment.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
The periodontist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth – from above and also below the gumline. The root surfaces are then smoothed to make it harder for bacteria to reattach and to enable the gums to attach to the teeth.

Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, localised antibiotics may be placed directly into periodontal pockets to kill harmful bacteria.

These treatments can significantly reduce gum inflammation and allow the tissues to heal naturally.

👉 Learn more about treatment options on our Periodontal Treatment for Gum Disease in London homepage.


🦷 Step 4: Periodontal Surgery (For Advanced Cases)

When gum disease is in it’s more advanced stages, non-surgical treatments alone may not be adequate to treat the condition. A periodontist may need to perform surgical procedures in order to restore your gum to good health:

These advanced techniques not only treat disease but also help preserve your natural teeth for the long term.


🪥 Step 5: Maintenance And Aftercare

Treatment doesn’t stop once your gums have healed. Gum disease is an ongoing and chronic condition – it requires constant and recurring care in order to prevent the disease from returning.

Your periodontist will set up a maintenance program, which usually includes:

Ongoing and recurring treatment help to ensure the treatment outcome are sustainable and that your gums remain healthy over the long term.


💬 Step 6: Patient Education And Lifestyle Guidance

A critical part of periodontal treatment is helping patients maintain healthy habits.

Your periodontist will guide you on:

Empowering patients with knowledge is key to prevent gum disease from occurring again.


📍 Why Choose A Periodontist In London?

Many patients wonder why they can’t just see a general dentist for gum disease. The answer lies in the specialist expertise a periodontist brings to the table.

At Whites Dental, our periodontist team combines expertise with advanced periodontal technology to provide patients in London with the best possible care.


🏥 Whites Dental Locations In London

To make periodontal treatments accessible, we offer periodontal procedures across two convenient central London clinics:

📍 Whites Dental Waterloo
172 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8ER
📞 020 8616 0590

📍 Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)
52B Kendal Street, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP
📞 020 3576 2325

Whether you’re based near Waterloo or Marble Arch, our specialist periodontist treatments are within easy reach.


🧠 FAQ: Periodontist Treatment For Gum Disease

Q: Is periodontal treatment painful?
A: Modern treatments are minimally invasive, and local anaesthetic ensures comfort throughout.

Q: Can gum disease be cured?
A: Early gingivitis is reversible, but periodontitis can only be managed, not cured — ongoing care is therefore essential.

Q: How long does treatment take?
A: Depending on severity, treatment may involve several visits over weeks or months.

Q: Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontitis?
A: With timely specialist care, many patients keep their natural teeth for life.


💡 Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Smile With Specialist Care

Gum disease is progressive — but with the right care, it can be controlled and managed effectively. A periodontist plays a vital role in diagnosing, treating and preventing gum problems at every stage of the diseases progression.

At Whites Dental, whether you visit us in Waterloo (SE1) or Marble Arch (W2), our specialist periodontal treatments are designed to restore your gum health and protect your smile for the future.

👉 Find out more on our Periodontist treatment in London page or call today to book your consultation.


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