Gum Treatment

Gingivitis and periodontitis are types of periodontal (or gum) disease, but with different severity.

• Gingivitis: Mild form which involves the inflammation of gums but is reversible
• Periodontitis: Severe form that may cause tooth and bone loss and is irreversible

Note that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis; it can still be treated at the dentist before it becomes more severe.

Here are some ways you can tell between the two forms:

• Pain when chewing: This may be a sign of periodontitis
• Tooth condition: If your gums are irritated, red or swollen but your teeth are still firmly in position, it may be gingivitis. However, once you feel a loose tooth, it is likely that it has progressed to periodontitis
• Breath: If you notice a persistent bad breath that is hard to get rid of, it is likely periodontitis as it may be caused by the excess bacteria in your mouth

Consult your dentist once you notice any signs of gum disease to get it treated early.

It depends on the severity of your condition and the type of treatment that you need. Here is a gauge of how long each treatment takes:

• Scaling and polishing: 30 minutes
• Root planing: 1 to 2 hours
• Laser Periodontal Gum Treatment: 30 minutes – 2 hours
• Surgery: 2 hours

The gum treatment itself should not be painful, but you may experience some discomfort during the treatment.

• Scaling and polishing: Minimal discomfort during procedure
• Root planing: Local anaesthetic will be used
• Laser Periodontal Gum Treatment: Local anaesthesia will be used
• Surgery: Local anaesthetic will be used

For both root planing and periodontal surgery, you may experience some discomfort for a few days after the procedure. It is best to check with your dentist on the recovery process.

Unfortunately, your healthy gums cannot grow back on their own once the gum tissue is lost. Thus, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as you notice signs of gum disease before it results in gum recession.

In such cases, there are treatments available such as gum grafting that can restore the gum line and protect the exposed tooth root but they may be expensive.

Gum disease can be prevented by keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here are some good habits to cultivate:

• Brush teeth thrice a day for two minutes
• Floss at least once a day
• Get dental check-ups at least every half a year
• Go for professional dental cleaning at least every half a year
• Prevent smoking
• Ensure diabetes (if any) is well controlled

In addition to these habits, we may recommend treatments tailored to your specific needs. For example, if you have misaligned teeth or crowding, braces can help correct their alignment, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and don’t have enough room to erupt properly, we may suggest extracting them to prevent gum inflammation and tooth decay.

You can typically resume your daily activities a few hours after your procedure, especially if you’ve undergone one of our less invasive treatments. If your surgery is more extensive, our dentists will provide guidance on the necessary recovery time.

Frequent gum bleeding is often caused by gingivitis (gum inflammation), which we can effectively treat with simple cleanings and treatments. Please consult our dental team to determine the underlying cause of your bleeding.

Your oral health is closely linked to your overall well-being. Research suggests that untreated gum disease may be associated with conditions such as diabetes, heart and vascular diseases, stroke, pregnancy complications, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer.

Before some procedures, your doctor will look for any signs of mouth infection and may prescribe antibiotics to prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream and affecting other parts of your body.