Gum treatment
Gum treatment removes the plaque and tartar that collect around and below the gum line and cause bleeding, swelling and loss of the bone that holds your teeth. At Suman Dental Care it is provided by Dr. Nimisha Pandya, a dental surgeon (BDS).
Step by step
Gum treatment
- Before
- Treatment
- After
1–2 deep-cleaning visits of 45–60 minutes, a review at 6–8 weeks, then maintenance cleaning every 3–6 months.
Plaque that hardens into tartar below the gum line makes the gum pull away from the tooth, forming pockets. Untreated, this destroys the bone that holds teeth in place, and teeth loosen. Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be fully reversed. Bone lost to advanced disease does not grow back, so early treatment matters.
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Red, swollen or receding gums
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted
Your gums are numb for 2–3 hours, so wait before eating. For a few days they can be tender and bleed a little when you brush, and teeth can feel sensitive to cold as the gum shrinks back to a healthier fit.
Keep brushing twice a day with a soft brush and clean between your teeth once a day. Rinse with warm salt water if the gums feel sore. Smoking slows healing and is one of the main reasons gum disease returns.
See a dentist if you have swelling, a gum abscess or pain that gets worse after 3 days. See also why are my gums bleeding?
- Sensitivity to cold and hot is common for a few weeks, because root surfaces are exposed as swelling goes down.
- Gum recession: as inflamed gum shrinks, teeth can look longer and gaps between teeth can open.
- Disease can return if home care or maintenance visits stop.
- Deep pockets may remain in some areas and need further treatment, which your dentist will explain.
- Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes make gum disease worse and slow healing.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
- Gum examination and pocket charting
- X-rays to check bone level
- Local anaesthetic
- Scaling and root planing
- A review visit and home-care advice
Questions patients ask
Is gum disease reversible?
The early stage, gingivitis, is reversible with professional cleaning and good home care. Periodontitis, where bone is lost, can be controlled but the lost bone does not grow back by itself.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Usually because plaque has inflamed the gum. Bleeding is a sign of gum inflammation, so keep brushing gently and see a dentist. Stopping brushing makes it worse.
Will my loose teeth tighten up?
Often they firm up as the swelling goes down and the gums heal. Teeth that have lost a lot of bone may stay loose and need splinting or removal.
Is deep cleaning painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. The gums may feel sore for a few days afterwards.
How often will I need follow-up?
Most people with treated gum disease are advised a cleaning every 3–6 months. This is needed because bacteria return to the pockets within weeks.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.