Periodontal Treatment For Gum Disease In London
Suffering from gum disease? Book an appointment for periodontal treatment with our specialist periodontist.
Private Periodontal Treatment In London From £205
When To Visit Our Periodontist For Gum Disease Treatment Without Delay
Bleeding, Swollen And Inflamed Gums
Persistent gum inflammation can progress to periodontitis, damaging the tissues that support your teeth. Infection can cause gum recession, bone loss and risk of tooth loss.
Gum Pockets And Infection
Deep gum pockets allow bacteria and tartar to accumulate beneath the gum line. The infection can destroy bone and ligaments supporting your teeth, causing teeth to loosen or even fall out.
Gum Recession And Bone Loss
Receding gums expose tooth roots, increasing sensitivity and risk of root decay. Bone loss weakens support to your teeth, causing them to shift or become loose.
Loose Teeth And Tooth Loss
As periodontal disease destroys bone and tissues supporting your teeth, affected teeth can become mobile, making chewing uncomfortable and affecting your bite.
Types Of Periodontal Treatment
Non-surgical periodontal treatments
Non-surgical periodontal treatments aim to control infection and restore health of your gums without resorting to surgery. This includes professional cleanings, improved oral hygiene routines, antibacterial rinses, and deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to remove plaque and reduce gum inflammation.
Surgical periodontal
treatments
Surgical periodontal treatment for gum disease is used in advanced cases where deep pockets or bone loss are present. Procedures include flap surgery, bone grafts, and tissue regeneration to restore support, eliminate infection, and preserve natural teeth when non-surgical methods are no longer effective.
Periodontal maintenance & ongoing care
Ongoing treatment to remove plaque & tartar from beneath the gum line. Helps to control gum disease and prevent further damage to the supporting structures of the teeth. Regular periodontal maintenance sessions reduce risk of recurring infection and preserves gums & natural teeth over the long term.
Non Surgical Periodontal Treatments We Offer
Scaling And Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque, bacteria and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth root surfaces. It helps reduce periodontal pocket depth, control infection and allow the gums to heal and reattach more closely to the teeth.
Antibacterial Mouthwash Treatment
Antibacterial mouthwashes, such as chlorhexidine, can help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and control gum inflammation. They are usually recommended for short-term use alongside professional periodontal treatment rather than as a replacement for deep cleaning.
Localised Antibiotic Treatment
Localised antibiotic treatment involves placing antimicrobial medication directly into deeper periodontal pockets to target bacteria responsible for gum infection. It may be used alongside scaling and root planing to help control persistent infection in specific areas.
Systemic Antibiotic Treatment
Systemic antibiotics are prescribed in tablet or capsule form to help control certain bacterial infections associated with advanced periodontal disease. They are generally reserved for selected cases and used alongside professional periodontal treatment rather than on their own.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Treatment
Laser-assisted periodontal treatment uses dental laser technology to target infected gum tissue and bacteria within periodontal pockets. It may be used as an adjunct to conventional deep cleaning, although it is not a replacement for established periodontal treatments.
Surgical Periodontal Treatments We Offer
Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
The dentist lifts back the gum tissue to access deep periodontal pockets and remove bacteria, plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth roots. The gum tissue is then repositioned and stitched to reduce pocket depth and make the area easier to keep clean.
Gum Graft Surgery (Soft Tissue Grafting)
Gum graft surgery involves taking tissue, usually from the roof of the mouth or a donor source, and attaching it to areas where the gums have receded. It helps cover exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity and improve the appearance of the gum line.
Bone Graft Surgery
Bone grafting involves placing bone graft material around teeth affected by periodontal disease to help regenerate lost bone. It can improve support around affected teeth and may help prevent further tooth loss in suitable cases.
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)
Guided tissue regeneration uses a special membrane placed between the gum tissue and the affected tooth or bone to encourage the regeneration of lost periodontal tissues. It helps promote the growth of supporting bone and ligament while preventing unwanted gum tissue from interfering with healing.
Regenerative Surgery
This procedure aims to regenerate supporting structures lost through advanced gum disease, including bone, periodontal ligament and connective tissue. Depending on the extent of damage, the dentist may use bone grafts, regenerative membranes or biological materials to encourage tissue regeneration.
Gingivectomy (Gum Tissue Removal)
A gingivectomy involves surgically removing excess or diseased gum tissue to reduce periodontal pockets and improve access for cleaning. It can also be used to reshape uneven or overgrown gums where clinically appropriate.
How Our Periodontists Treat Gum Disease
Scaling & root planing is most common for mild periodontal cases
What it does – Scaling and root planing is a procedure that removes plaque & tartar from below the gum line. It also smooths tooth roots to help gums reattach & heal.
When it’s needed – It is commonly used to treat early-moderate gum disease when bacteria have formed deep pockets around the teeth. The goal is to stop infection and prevent further damage.
How it works – It is carried out using specialised instruments to clean below the gum line, often under local anaesthetic. Root surfaces are smoothed to reduce future bacterial buildup.
Why it matters – It helps stabilise gum disease and protects against tooth loss/ongoing inflammation. Its a key step in restoring long-term gum health.
Periodontal flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery is needed for more advanced cases
What it does: Flap surgery reduces deep periodontal pockets by lifting the gums to remove bacteria and tartar from beneath the gum line and, where appropriate, reshape damaged supporting bone.
When it’s needed: It may be recommended when deep gum pockets and active periodontitis persist despite professional deep cleaning and good oral hygiene.
How it works: The periodontist gently lifts the gum tissue, cleans the exposed tooth roots, may reshape damaged bone if necessary, and repositions the gums with stitches to help the tissues heal.
Why it matters: By reducing pocket depth and making the affected areas easier to clean, flap surgery helps control periodontal infection and reduce the risk of further bone loss and tooth loss.
Gum grafts, bone grafts or guided tissue regeneration may be needed to rebuild damaged areas
What they do: These advanced periodontal procedures target damage that ordinary gum disease treatment cannot fully repair, including exposed tooth roots, missing bone and destroyed supporting tissues. Each procedure addresses a different problem to improve the protection or stability of teeth affected by periodontal disease.
When they’re needed: Gum grafts may be recommended for significant gum recession, while bone grafts and guided tissue regeneration may be suitable for specific defects caused by periodontal bone loss.
How they work: Gum grafts involve attaching additional tissue to areas where gum coverage is inadequate, while bone grafts place graft material into selected areas of bone loss. Guided tissue regeneration uses a specialised membrane, sometimes alongside graft material, to encourage the growth of new supporting tissues in suitable defects.
Why they matter: Gum grafts can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity, while successful bone regeneration can improve the support around affected teeth. Guided tissue regeneration may restore some of the attachment lost through gum disease, helping improve the long-term outlook for teeth that might otherwise be at risk.
Periodontal maintenance to keep gums stable and prevent further periodontal damage
Periodontal maintenance is the ongoing phase of gum disease treatment.
What It Does: It removes plaque & tartar from beneath the gumline, helping control bacterial infection, reduce gum inflammation and protects the structures supporting the teeth.
When It’s Needed: If you have undergone gum disease treatment and need ongoing care to prevent the condition from returning or progressing. It helps keep periodontitis under control.
How It Works: A dentist or hygienist cleans around the teeth & beneath the gums, measures periodontal pockets where appropriate and checks for signs of bleeding, recession or further tissue damage. The findings help determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Why It Matters: Regular periodontal maintenance reduces risk of further bone loss, gum deterioration & eventual tooth loss by keeping harmful bacteria under control over the long term. It helps preserve your natural teeth.
Periodontal Treatment Cost
If you are wondering about how much does periodontal treatment cost – prices for periodontal treatment for gum disease with our dentists and periodontists in London is noted below.
|
Examination |
£65 |
|
6 Point Pocket Chart |
£85 |
|
Scaling & Root Planing |
from £180 |
|
Debridement |
from £150 |
|
Periodontal treatment (per quadrant) |
typically £200-£300 |
|
Periodontal maintenance |
typically £150 |
Book An Appointment With Our Periodontist
Request an appointment
Three Stage Periodontal Treatment Process
Exam & Assessment
Our periodontal treatment for gum disease starts with an examination. The dentist will assess your gum health and provide you a treatment plan with clear prices. This will include a 6 point pocket chart.
Periodontal Treatment
Once you are happy to proceed, we will book you for treatment appointments with the periodontist (usually 2-4 appointments are needed to complete your periodontal treatment).
Stabilisation
Once your gums have been treated, we will book you for regular sessions with the hygienist (usually 3 monthly) to stabilise your gums so they remain healthy.
Meet Our Periodontal Experts In London
At Whites Dental, both Dr Romina and Dr Ravinder are very experienced dentists. Dr Romina has been treating gum disease for 15 years and Dr Ravinder has been providing periodontal care for over 18 years. Dr Ravinder is also a very experienced dental surgeon. Our surgery rooms are very modern, with the latest state of the art equipment. These are some of the advantages of having periodontal treatment with our dentists and surgeons at Whites Dental.
Periodontist Vs Dentist: Who Should Treat Gum Disease?
An experienced dentist can offer advanced non-surgical treatments at a more affordable price
Scope Of Treatment
An experienced gum disease dentist can diagnose and manage most cases of gum disease, including moderate and moderate-severe stages and also carry out more advanced non-surgical treatments. This means many patients can be treated successfully without needing a specialist straight away. However, very severe or complex cases are usually managed by a periodontist.
Level Of Expertise
A dentist is experienced in identifying and treating a wide range of gum conditions. This includes being able to treat moderate to moderate-severe cases and be able to recognise those needing more intensive care. A periodontist has additional specialist training focused entirely on very advanced gum disease and complex cases.
Treatment Capabilities
An experienced dentist can provide deep cleaning, root surface debridement and more advanced periodontal treatments to help control gum disease. These treatments are often effective even when the condition has progressed into the moderate to moderate-advanced stage. For severe cases involving significant bone loss or complex reconstruction, a periodontist is usually required.
Referral Thresholds
A dentist will manage most gum disease cases, even when they require more advanced non-surgical treatment. Referral to a periodontist is considered when the disease becomes severe, complicated or does not respond as expected to treatment. This ensures patients receive specialist care when their condition goes beyond general dental management.
| Area | Experienced Dentist | Periodontist |
|---|---|---|
| Scope Of Treatment | Manages moderate to moderate-sever gum disease and can provide more advanced non-surgical treatments. | Focuses on complex and severe gum disease cases, especially advanced or high-risk conditions. |
| Level Of Expertise | Strong experience in identifying and treating gum disease up to moderate to moderate-severe cases. | Specialist training dedicated entirely to gum disease and supporting bone structures. |
| Treatment Capabilities | Deep cleaning, root surface debridement and non-surgical periodontal care for most cases. | Advanced procedures including gum surgery, regeneration, and complex reconstruction. |
| Referral Thresholds | Refers when cases become severe, complex, or unresponsive to treatment. | Receives referrals for advanced disease requiring specialist intervention. |
What Is Gum Disease?
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is associated with inflammation caused by plaque accumulating around the gum line. Gums may appear red or swollen and may bleed during brushing or interdental cleaning. Gingivitis can usually be reversed with effective plaque control and professional dental care, but if inflammation is not controlled, some patients can progress to periodontitis.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that occurs when untreated gingivitis spreads below the gum line. It causes inflammation, gum recession, bone loss, and loose teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss and impact overall health. Periodontitis requires professional care to manage and prevent further damage.
Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Disease
Swollen or inflamed gums
One of the first and most reported symptom of gum disease is swelling of the gums. Or inflammation in other words. They may appear red, puffy, and feel tender to the touch. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to infection, and in the case of gum disease, it’s usually caused by a build up of plaque and bacteria along the gum line.
Bleeding gums
Bleeding during brushing or interdental cleaning can be a sign of gum inflammation and is commonly associated with gingivitis. Persistent bleeding should be assessed to identify the underlying cause and determine whether periodontal care is required. Read more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of bleeding gums.
Bad breath or bad taste
Frequent and ongoing bad breath (also called halitosis) or a frequent bad taste in the mouth is often associated with gum disease. This is usually caused by the build up of bacteria ( that release foul-smelling gases and toxins) associated with gum disease in the mouth.
Gum recession
As gum disease progresses, the gum tissue can start to recede or pull away from the teeth, making the teeth look longer than usual. As the gums recede, they expose the roots of the teeth, which causes sensitivity. Receding gums can be a significant concern.
Tooth sensitivity
Roots of the teeth that get exposed due to receding gums can often lead to higher sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks. You can also experience increase sensitivity to acidic or sweet foods and drinks.
Loose or shifting teeth
In advanced stages of gum disease (periodontitis), the supporting structures around the teeth begin to break down. Teeth can start to loosen or shift. Bite alignment can also change, making it uncomfortable to chew or close your mouth properly.
Common Causes Of Gum Disease
Plaque build up (poor oral hygiene)
Plaque, which is a thin, sticky film of bacteria, if it is not removed every day with a good oral hygiene regime, hardens and forms tartar – leading to gum inflammation and early signs of gum disease.
Smoking and tobacco use
Smoking is known to weaken the immune system; it also reduces the flow of blood to your gums. Both these factors increase risk of infection to the gums. Smoking is also known to hide the early signs of gum disease.
Hormonal changes
Shifts in hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause can make gums more sensitive. This shift in hormone levels then increases the changes of gum inflammation and gum irritation.
Medical conditions and medications
Conditions like diabetes and medications that reduce saliva flow make it harder to fight gum infections. A dry mouth environment encourages bacterial growth.
Genetics and family history
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to gum disease. Even with good oral care, they may develop issues without regular dental monitoring.
Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiency
Lack of nutrients, especially vitamin C, weakens gum tissue and immune response. This slows healing and makes gums more vulnerable to infection.
Stress and weakened immune response
Chronic stress lowers your body’s ability to fight infections. This can allow plaque bacteria to spread and worsen gum inflammation.
What Is Periodontal Treatment?
Periodontal treatment is treatment for gum disease
Understanding periodontal treatment
Periodontal treatment is a specialised approach to managing gum disease and protecting the structures that support the teeth. It focuses on removing harmful bacteria and stabilising the condition to prevent further progression.
What does periodontal treatment involve?
Treatment commonly includes deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove deposits below the gum line. In more advanced cases, additional therapies may be used to restore gum health and improve stability.
Why it matters long-term
Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and damage to the underlying bone. Ongoing maintenance care after treatment is essential to keep the condition under control and protect long-term oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
+How do plaque and tartar cause gum disease?
+How does a periodontist treat gum disease?
+Do you need a referral to see a periodontist?
+How often should you see a periodontist?
+Is gum disease reversible?
+What is scaling and root planing?
+Is periodontal treatment painful?
+How long does periodontal treatment take?
+Can gum disease come back after treatment?
+What can I do to prevent gum disease in the future?
+Finding Our Periodontal Clinics In London
Waterloo dental clinic (SE1)
Whites Dental Waterloo
172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER
020 8616 0590
Waterloo dentist clinic in SE1 – located right next to Southwark Underground station, the dental clinic is walking distance from London Bridge Station, Borough Market, Southbank and Elephant and Castle.
Marble Arch dental clinic (W2)
Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)
52B Kendal St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP
020 3576 2325
Marble Arch dentist clinic in W2 is a short walk from Paddington Rail Station, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Maida Vale, Bayswater, Marylebone& the West End.