Gum Disease Treatments (Periodontology)
Diagnosis and treatment of gum inflammation, gum recession and periodontitis, from professional scaling to periodontal surgery, at ADEN Dental in Ankara.
What Is Periodontal (Gum) Treatment?
Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that deals with the gums, the jawbone and the other tissues that support the teeth. Gum disease treatments aim to stop inflammation in these tissues, limit tissue loss and protect oral health in the long term.
The most common cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque that builds up on the tooth surface. When it is not removed regularly, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) and becomes a constant source of irritation along the gum line. The early stage of the disease is called gingivitis; once the inflammation reaches the supporting bone, the condition is known as periodontitis.
Untreated periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Detected early, however, gum disease can usually be brought under control with straightforward, comfortable procedures.
Who May Need Gum Treatment?
Gum disease often progresses silently, and pain usually appears only at a late stage. A periodontal examination is therefore recommended if you notice one or more of the following signs:
Patients planning implant, prosthetic or orthodontic treatment also benefit from a periodontal assessment beforehand, since healthy gums are an important foundation for these procedures. Smokers, people with diabetes, pregnant women and those with a family history of gum disease carry a higher risk and may be advised to attend check-ups more frequently.
- Bleeding gums while brushing, flossing or spontaneously
- Redness, swelling or tenderness of the gums
- Receding gums and sensitivity at the necks of the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth, gaps opening up or teeth changing position
Which Treatment Methods Are Used?
The appropriate method depends on the stage of the disease, the depth of the gum pockets and the overall condition of the tissues; the treatment plan is determined through a clinical examination by the dentist. Commonly used approaches include:
Where indicated, treatment can be supported with regenerative procedures aimed at repairing lost bone and soft tissue. In suitable cases of gum recession, mucogingival surgical techniques designed to cover exposed root surfaces may also be considered.
- Scaling: removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces with ultrasonic instruments
- Root planing (curettage): cleaning of inflamed tissue inside the gum pocket and of deposits on the root surface
- Flap surgery: surgical cleaning of deep pockets in advanced periodontitis, with the gum gently lifted for access
- Gum aesthetics (gingivectomy, gingivoplasty): reshaping the gum line that shows when smiling
How Does Treatment Proceed at ADEN Dental?
At our clinic in Çukurambar, Ankara, the process starts with a detailed periodontal examination. Pocket depths around the teeth are measured with a periodontal probe, radiographs are taken where necessary and the level of the supporting bone is assessed.
Based on these findings, an individual treatment plan is prepared, and it becomes clear which procedures will be performed and over how many sessions. Depending on the extent of treatment, local anaesthesia may be used to keep the procedures comfortable.
After active treatment is completed, follow-up appointments are scheduled at regular intervals. These check-ups allow healing to be monitored, daily oral hygiene to be reviewed and the disease to be kept from becoming active again.
Aftercare: How Should You Look After Your Gums?
The long-term success of periodontal treatment depends largely on consistent daily oral hygiene. The brushing technique and interdental cleaning recommended by your dentist should become part of your daily routine.
Mild sensitivity may occur for a short period after treatment and usually settles within a few days. If you experience unexpected severe pain, swelling or bleeding that does not stop, contact your clinic.
- Brush at least twice a day using the technique your dentist shows you
- Clean between the teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash if your dentist recommends one
- Stop smoking, or reduce it as much as possible
- Attend regular dental check-ups at the recommended intervals
Scaling is usually completed with only mild sensitivity. Root planing and surgical procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, so no pain is expected during the procedure; any sensitivity afterwards generally subsides within a few days.
The number of sessions depends on the stage of the disease. Early gingivitis can often be controlled in a single visit, while periodontitis treatment may require several sessions. The exact plan is determined at the dental examination.
Gum tissue that has receded does not grow back by itself. The progression can be stopped, however, and in suitable cases surgical techniques to cover exposed root surfaces can be considered.
The most frequent cause is gum inflammation due to plaque build-up. Pregnancy, certain medications and some systemic conditions can also increase bleeding. Recurrent bleeding should be evaluated by a dentist.
Scaling performed with the correct technique and instruments does not harm the enamel. On the contrary, removing tartar is necessary to protect gum health.