Gums, surgery and urgent care
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, usually caused by plaque and tartar. Early gum disease (gingivitis) causes red, swollen, bleeding gums and is reversible. If it's left, it can become periodontitis, which damages the bone around the teeth.
Led by Either dentist
Either dentistIs this for you?
How it works
We measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth, take X-rays to check the bone, and then clean thoroughly above and below the gum line, a treatment called scaling and root planing. Sometimes medicines or minor gum surgery are needed. You are taught how to clean effectively at home, and review visits keep the gums stable.
Your options
Step by step
Before anything starts
After the examination you get a written plan: your options, what each step involves and how many visits it takes — itemised part by part. You decide before anything begins, and there's no pressure to start that day.
Results
Whitening and cleaning
Heavy tartar and stains removed by professional cleaning.
BeforeAfterShared with patient consent. Individual results vary. All results
Aftercare
Your gums may be tender and bleed a little for a few days after deep cleaning. Rinse with warm salt water, brush gently but thoroughly, and use any prescribed mouthwash. Not smoking and controlling diabetes make a big difference to healing.
Gum disease is quiet and often causes no pain until it is advanced, so early detection matters. We show you what's happening, how to reverse it where possible, and how to keep it from coming back.
FAQs
Usually because plaque has irritated the gums and they are inflamed. Healthy gums don't bleed. Brushing better and getting a professional clean often stops it, but persistent bleeding needs a dental check.
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be fully reversed. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can't be cured, but it can be controlled with treatment and regular maintenance, which stops it getting worse.
Bleeding, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums and loose or shifting teeth. Many early cases cause no pain, so regular check-ups matter.
The area is numbed if needed, so it should be comfortable. Your gums may be tender for a few days afterwards, and it settles with gentle cleaning.
Yes, if it's left untreated, because it destroys the bone that holds teeth in place. Early treatment protects your teeth.
Yes. Diabetes makes gum disease more likely and harder to control, and gum infection can make blood sugar harder to manage. Smoking is also a major risk factor.
Questions about gum disease treatment?
