Healthy gums support healthy teeth
Periodontology focuses on the gums and the tissues that hold teeth in place. At ProDent in Nysa, specialist periodontist Magdalena Tarsa assesses and treats gum problems, from inflammation to more advanced loss of support around the teeth.
Bleeding gums are common, but they should not be ignored. An examination helps establish the cause and the care you need.
Gingivitis and periodontitis: what is the difference?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, often associated with plaque. The gums may be red, swollen or bleed when brushing. With appropriate plaque control and care, gingival inflammation can improve.
Periodontitis affects the supporting tissues more deeply and can involve pockets around the teeth and loss of bone. Teeth may become loose or change position. Lost support is not simply restored by brushing harder; treatment aims to control disease and maintain the teeth where possible.
Smoking, diabetes and other individual factors can affect risk and healing. Gum disease is associated with several general health conditions, but an association does not mean it is the sole cause of another illness. Tell your clinician about your medical history and medicines.
Signs to have checked
- Bleeding when brushing, cleaning between teeth or eating.
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste.
- Receding gums or teeth that appear longer.
- Loose or shifting teeth, or discomfort when chewing.
Periodontal disease can progress with little pain. Regular examinations are useful even if your gums do not hurt.
How periodontal treatment is planned
1. Assessment
The clinician examines the gums, measures pockets, checks bleeding and tooth mobility, and reviews X-rays where needed. This helps establish the extent of disease and the outlook for individual teeth.
2. Home care and initial cleaning
We demonstrate cleaning methods suited to your mouth, including interdental cleaning, and remove deposits. Daily plaque control is a necessary part of treatment, not an optional extra. See professional dental hygiene.
3. Cleaning below the gumline
Where needed, subgingival debridement, also called scaling and root planing, removes deposits from affected root surfaces. Local anaesthetic may be used. Treatment can be divided across appointments, followed by reassessment of healing.
4. Selected surgical care
Some persistent or complex defects need a surgical approach. Depending on the diagnosis, this can involve access to deeper areas, reshaping tissue or a grafting procedure. Not every patient needs surgery and not every defect is suitable for regeneration. The options and limits are explained individually.
5. Maintenance
Review and cleaning intervals are based on your disease history, current findings and risk. Periodontitis needs ongoing monitoring even when symptoms have improved.
Receding gums and tissue grafts
Recession has several possible causes and is not always a sign of active periodontitis. The clinician assesses the tissues, cleaning technique and other factors before considering treatment. Selected cases may benefit from a free gingival graft (FGG) or connective tissue graft (CTG). These procedures have different purposes and do not guarantee complete coverage of every exposed root.
Costs and the treatment plan
The estimate depends on the examination, number of affected sites, cleaning sessions and any surgical care. Relevant procedures are listed under consultations, hygiene and oral surgery. Your clinician explains which apply to your case.
Common questions
Should I stop brushing if my gums bleed?
Do not abandon oral hygiene. Arrange an assessment and ask for advice on a gentle, effective technique. Bleeding can be a sign of inflammation that needs treatment.
Is gingivitis the same as periodontitis?
No. Gingivitis affects the gums; periodontitis involves damage to the tissues supporting teeth. The examination establishes which condition is present.
Will I definitely need surgery?
No. Many patients begin with improved home care and professional cleaning. The response is assessed before deciding whether further procedures are needed.
How often will I need maintenance?
There is no single interval for everyone. Your clinician recommends a schedule based on disease activity, risk and cleaning needs.
Does smoking matter?
Yes. Smoking is a risk factor for periodontal disease and can affect healing. Tell your clinician so it can be considered in the plan.
Can I get a price before an examination?
The price list gives individual procedure prices, but a reliable total needs an assessment of the extent of disease and required care.
Book a periodontal assessment or call 570 400 405. Further reading: NHS information on gum disease.
