Periodontal (Gum Disease) Treatment in Ashburton

Why gums matter

Bleeding when you brush isn’t normal, and it isn’t caused by brushing too hard. It’s the earliest sign of gingivitis — inflammation from bacteria at the gumline. At this stage it’s completely reversible with professional cleaning and better home care.

Left alone, inflammation spreads below the gum and starts destroying the bone that holds teeth in place. That damage doesn’t grow back. Periodontitis is also linked with diabetes, heart disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, so it’s worth taking seriously beyond your mouth.

What’s involved

Treating gum disease, stage by stage

Gingivitis — bleeding, slightly puffy gums, no bone loss — is fully reversible. A thorough professional clean plus a couple of weeks of proper brushing and interdental cleaning usually resolves it. Periodontitis is different: bacteria have moved below the gumline and begun destroying bone. Treatment is scaling and root planing under local anaesthetic, quadrant by quadrant, to remove deposits from root surfaces a brush can’t reach. We re-measure the pockets after healing to see what’s stabilised, and plan maintenance from there.

Lost bone doesn’t grow back, which is why maintenance matters more than the initial treatment. Three-monthly cleans, good home care, and managing risk factors — smoking above all, and blood sugar in diabetes — keep stable gums stable. Where pockets stay deep despite this, we refer to a periodontist.

Gum disease — common questions

Signs your gums may need attention

Gum disease often gives few warnings. These signs are worth getting checked:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss (read why gums bleed when brushing)
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste that keeps coming back
• Gums pulling back, so teeth look longer
• Teeth that feel loose, or new gaps between them

Smoking, diabetes and a family history of gum disease all raise the risk.

Before treatment starts

Your general health affects how gums heal. Tell your dentist if you have diabetes, smoke or vape, are pregnant, or take medicines that affect bleeding. You will get a written plan with the number of visits and the cost before anything starts.

After a deep clean

Many people go back to their normal day straight after. Take care not to bite your lip or cheek until the numbness wears off.

• Gums may feel tender for a few days. Warm salty rinses can help.
• Teeth may be sensitive to cold for a while. This usually settles. See sensitive teeth.
• As swelling goes down, gums can sit a little lower, so teeth may look slightly longer.
• Keep brushing and cleaning between your teeth gently from the next day.

Looking after your gums at home

• Brush twice a day with a soft brush, angled towards the gumline.
• Clean between your teeth daily. Interdental brushes often suit gum disease better than floss. We can show you which size fits.
• Keep your maintenance visits, even when your gums feel fine.

If teeth have been lost, your dentist can discuss dental implants or dentures once your gums are stable. Complex cases may need a referral for further gum care.

Cost and health funds

Gum treatment is itemised and quoted before it starts. We are a Bupa Members First Platinum, HCF More for Teeth and nib First Choice preferred provider. We accept all health funds, including Medibank, ahm, CBHS and Australian Unity, claimed on the spot with HICAPS. More on health funds.

More questions about gum treatment

How is a deep clean different from a regular clean?

A regular clean removes plaque and calculus above and just under the gumline. A deep clean goes further down onto the root surfaces, into the pockets that form with gum disease. It is usually done with local anaesthetic and may take more than one visit. Routine cleans are covered on our check-up and clean page.

Can gum disease come back after treatment?

Yes, it can. The bacteria that cause it return if plaque builds up again. Regular maintenance cleans and daily cleaning between your teeth help keep it under control. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes can make it more likely to come back.

Should I stop brushing if my gums bleed?

No. Stopping usually makes bleeding worse, because more plaque builds up. Keep brushing gently with a soft brush and keep cleaning between your teeth. If bleeding carries on for more than a week or two, book a check-up so your dentist can find the cause.