(IV) Health & prevention — No. 11
Periodontics
A sound signature needs sound ground.
The health of the gums and of the bone that holds the teeth: treating and preventing gum disease.
At a glance
- Initial therapy
- Usually 1–4 sessions
- Re-evaluation
- After 6–8 weeks
- Anaesthesia
- Local, if needed
- Maintenance
- Every 3–6 months
Durations and visit counts are typical values; they vary from person to person and become clear after an examination.
The gums, and the tissues that bind each tooth to the jaw, are the unseen foundation of a smile. Gum disease often progresses quietly: bleeding, swelling, bad breath or a slight recession can be the first signs.
Left untreated, gum inflammation (gingivitis) can turn into periodontitis, which affects the bone that holds the teeth. At that stage teeth can loosen, drift apart and be lost. Research links periodontal disease with general health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The good news: caught early, gum disease can largely be brought under control.
Who it is for
- Gums that bleed when you brush
- Receding gums or sensitivity
- Teeth that feel loose or are drifting apart
- Conditions such as diabetes that raise the risk of gum disease
Options
- 01
Scaling and root planing
Cleaning the deposits beneath the gum line.
- 02
Periodontal surgery
Surgical treatment of deep pockets and bone loss.
- 03
Regenerative therapy
In suitable cases, methods that support the regrowth of lost bone and tissue.
- 04
Peri-implant care
Bringing inflammation around implants under control.
The process
Measurement
Gum pockets are measured; X-rays show the level of the bone.
Initial therapy
Cleaning above and below the gum line, under local anaesthesia if needed.
Re-evaluation
A few weeks later healing is measured; further treatment is planned if needed.
Maintenance
Check-ups and professional cleaning at regular intervals.
—The Dent BB approach
We see healthy gums as the precondition of every aesthetic plan. No lasting smile can be built on unhealthy ground.
Honest expectations
- Periodontitis is a chronic disease; it needs regular maintenance.
- Lost bone cannot always be regained; the aim is to stop the disease progressing.
- Smoking markedly reduces the success of treatment.
Aftercare
- Interdental brushes and floss
- The brushing technique your dentist shows you
- Stopping smoking
- A maintenance visit every 3–6 months
Frequently asked
Is gum disease contagious?
It is not considered contagious in the usual sense. The bacteria involved can pass between people, but oral hygiene and individual susceptibility are what decide.
Is root planing painful?
It is done under local anaesthesia when needed; some sensitivity for a few days afterwards is possible.
Why do my teeth look longer after treatment?
As inflammation settles, swelling goes down and the gum returns to its true level, which can make the teeth look a little longer.
This page is for information. A diagnosis and a treatment plan require an examination.