Gum Disease Treatment: From Early Signs to Advanced Periodontitis

Gum Disease Treatment: From Early Signs to Advanced Periodontitis

Gum disease affects nearly half of British adults, yet many people don’t realise they have it until it becomes serious. At Kiss Dental, we’ve treated thousands of patients with various stages of gum disease—and we’ve found that early intervention makes all the difference.

Whether you’ve noticed bleeding when brushing or you’ve been told you have periodontitis, this guide will help you understand your treatment options and what to expect.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease typically progresses through predictable stages. Understanding which stage you’re in helps determine the best treatment approach.

Gingivitis (Early Stage)

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. At this stage, your gums might bleed when you brush or floss, but there’s no bone loss yet.

We can often reverse gingivitis completely with improved oral hygiene and professional cleaning. This is why regular dental check-ups matter so much—we can catch it before it progresses.

Early Periodontitis

When gingivitis isn’t treated, it advances to periodontitis. Your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria collect. Early bone loss occurs, but it’s still relatively limited.

At this stage, we typically recommend scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove bacteria and help your gums reattach.

Moderate to Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced gum disease involves significant bone loss, deeper pockets, and increased tooth mobility. Your teeth might shift position, your bite might change, and you’re at risk of losing teeth.

More intensive treatments—sometimes including periodontal surgery—become necessary to save your teeth.

Professional Gum Disease Treatments We Offer

Scaling and Root Planing (£150–£300)

This deep cleaning removes tartar from above and below the gumline and smooths the tooth root to help gums reattach. We typically do this in stages and might use local anaesthetic for comfort.

Most patients need a follow-up appointment 4–6 weeks later to check healing and assess whether further treatment is needed.

Antimicrobial Rinses and Local Antibiotics

We sometimes prescribe antimicrobial rinses like chlorhexidine to reduce bacteria while your gums heal. In some cases, we place antibiotic microspheres directly into gum pockets—these release medication over several weeks.

These adjunct treatments enhance the effectiveness of scaling and root planing, particularly in moderate cases.

Laser Therapy

We use laser technology to sterilise gum pockets and remove diseased tissue more precisely than traditional methods. Laser therapy can be less uncomfortable than conventional scaling and promotes faster healing.

It’s particularly effective for patients with moderate periodontitis who want to avoid surgery.

Periodontal Surgery (£1,500–£4,000+)

When non-surgical treatments aren’t enough, surgery might be necessary. Common procedures include flap surgery (lifting the gum to access the root and bone) and bone grafting to regenerate lost bone.

We refer complex surgical cases to specialist periodontists, though we perform many procedures in-house under local anaesthetic.

What Happens if You Don’t Treat Gum Disease?

We can’t overstate the importance of treating gum disease early. Left untreated, it leads to:

• Tooth loss (periodontitis is the leading cause in adults)
• Jaw bone deterioration, which affects your facial structure
• Increased risk of heart disease and stroke (research shows a clear link between gum disease and cardiovascular problems)
• Complications with diabetes (gum disease and diabetes worsen each other)
• Respiratory infections

The good news? These complications are preventable with early treatment.

Your Gum Disease Treatment Timeline

Here’s what you can expect during treatment:

Week 1–2: Initial assessment, X-rays, and first scaling/root planing appointment (usually 1–2 hours)

Week 3–4: Follow-up cleaning and evaluation. We assess your response to treatment and decide if additional measures are needed.

Week 8–12: Periodontal check-up. We measure gum pocket depth to see if your gums are reattaching.

Ongoing: Regular maintenance appointments (typically every 3 months) to monitor your gums and prevent recurrence.

Prevention: The Best Treatment

The most cost-effective gum disease treatment is prevention. Here’s how to protect your gums:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes, using gentle circular motions
• Floss every day to remove food and plaque between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
• Don’t smoke. Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors for gum disease and makes treatment less effective
• Manage stress (stress weakens your immune response to bacteria)
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamin C
• Visit us regularly for professional cleanings (at least every 6 months, or more frequently if you have risk factors)

Financing Your Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease treatment costs vary depending on severity and the procedures needed. Most patients can manage costs through our payment plans. We offer:

• Interest-free plans (Klarna, PayPal Credit)
• Spread payments over 3–12 months with our in-house plans
• NHS treatment for scaling and root planing (£23.80 band 2 treatment) if you’re an NHS patient

We always explain costs upfront and discuss payment options before beginning treatment. Visit our fees page for details on pricing, or explore our finance options to spread the cost.

Gum Disease Treatment at Kiss Dental

We’ve successfully treated gum disease in thousands of patients across our Manchester City Centre, Altrincham, Flixton, Knutsford, Alderley Edge, Liverpool, Bury, and Bramhall locations. Dr Kailesh Solanki and Dr Khushal Morar have particular expertise in periodontal care and can develop a treatment plan tailored to your situation.

If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, don’t wait. Early treatment often means the difference between keeping your teeth and losing them. Contact us today to book a gum health assessment. Call us on 0161 524 1804 or request an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does gum disease treatment hurt?
Scaling and root planing can cause some sensitivity, but we use local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. Modern laser therapy is generally less uncomfortable than traditional scaling.

Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis can be completely reversed. Periodontitis can be managed and halted, but damage that’s already occurred can’t be fully reversed—though regenerative procedures can sometimes restore some lost bone.

How long does it take to see improvement?
Gums typically show improvement within 2–3 weeks of treatment. Full healing takes 4–6 weeks, but you’ll notice reduced bleeding and better comfort within days.

Will my teeth need to be extracted?
Not necessarily. Teeth can often be saved with timely, appropriate treatment. Extraction is usually only considered when a tooth is too loose or damaged to support.

How much does gum disease treatment cost?
Scaling and root planing typically costs £150–£300. Laser therapy adds £200–£400. Surgical procedures range from £1,500–£4,000+. We’ll provide a detailed estimate after your assessment.

Can I prevent gum disease recurrence?
Yes. Regular professional cleanings, excellent home care, not smoking, and managing stress significantly reduce recurrence risk. We’ll create a maintenance schedule tailored to your needs.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Gum disease treatment options and outcomes vary depending on individual health, medical history, and the severity of the condition. Always consult with a qualified dentist before undergoing any form of periodontal treatment. For personalised advice, please contact Kiss Dental on 0161 524 1804 to arrange a consultation with Dr Kailesh Solanki or Dr Khushal Morar.