Periodontics

Regular cleaning focuses on the visible surfaces of the teeth above the gumline.
Scaling and root planing targets deeper areas below the gums, where bacteria responsible for gum disease accumulate.

It is recommended for patients with:

• Gum bleeding or swelling
• Deep gum pockets
• Tartar buildup below the gumline
• Early to moderate gum disease

Your dentist will assess your gums and advise if deep cleaning is required.

The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia, so it is comfortable.
Some mild soreness or sensitivity may occur afterwards, which settles within a few days.

Depending on the severity of gum disease, treatment may be completed in one or multiple appointments. Each session usually lasts 30–60 minutes.

You may experience:

• Mild gum tenderness
• Temporary tooth sensitivity
• Slight gum bleeding

These effects are temporary and improve as healing occurs.

Initial healing usually occurs within 1–2 weeks.
Improvement in gum health continues over time with proper oral care and follow-up visits.

Deep cleaning helps control and stabilise gum disease, especially in its early stages.
Long-term success depends on good oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, and regular dental checkups.

• Brush twice daily with proper technique
• Floss or use interdental cleaners regularly
• Attend recommended follow-up appointments
• Avoid smoking and maintain a balanced diet

Most patients need scaling and root planing only once, followed by maintenance cleanings.
Some patients with ongoing gum issues may require periodic periodontal maintenance.

Flap surgery is advised when:

• Gum pockets are deep and infected
• Gum disease does not respond to scaling and root planing
• There is ongoing bone loss around the teeth

Your dentist will assess your gum condition and recommend surgery only when necessary.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring comfort during treatment.
Mild discomfort, swelling, or soreness may occur after surgery, which can be managed with prescribed medications.

Flap surgery usually takes 1–2 hours, depending on the number of teeth involved and the severity of the condition.

After surgery, you may experience:

• Mild swelling or tenderness
• Slight bleeding
• Temporary sensitivity

These symptoms gradually improve as healing progresses.

Initial healing occurs within 3-7 days, while complete healing may take a few weeks.
Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor recovery.

Yes. Sutures are typically used to secure the gums in place. These may dissolve on their own or be removed during a follow-up visit.

Flap surgery helps control and stabilise advanced gum disease, but long-term success depends on:

• Good oral hygiene
• Regular professional cleanings
• Lifestyle habits such as avoiding smoking

Yes. When needed, flap surgery may be combined with bone grafting or regenerative procedures to improve support for the teeth.

• Brush and clean as advised by your dentist
• Attend follow-up and maintenance visits
• Maintain consistent oral hygiene at home

Crown lengthening may be recommended when:

• A tooth is broken or decayed below the gumline
• There isn’t enough tooth structure to support a crown or filling
• A restoration needs better long-term stability
• Excess gum tissue affects smile aesthetics

It can be both.
Some patients need it for functional reasons to support restorations, while others choose it to improve the appearance of a gummy or uneven smile.

Crown lengthening is performed under local anaesthesia, making it comfortable during treatment.
Mild soreness or swelling may occur afterwards and usually resolves within a few days.

The procedure typically takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the number of teeth involved and the extent of reshaping required.

Yes—in a positive way.
By improving tooth exposure and proportions, crown lengthening can enhance both function and appearance while supporting long-lasting dental work.

Not always.
In some cases, only gum tissue needs adjustment. Bone reshaping is done only when necessary for proper restoration support.

• Follow post-procedure care instructions
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Attend follow-up visits as advised
• Avoid irritating the area during healing

Gum grafting may be advised when:

• Gums have receded, exposing tooth roots
• Teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, or touch
• Gum tissue is thin or fragile
• There is a risk of further gum and bone loss

The graft may be taken from:

• The roof of your mouth
• Another area of your mouth
• A donor tissue source

Your dentist will recommend the most suitable option for your case.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, making it comfortable.
After treatment, mild soreness or tenderness may occur, which usually settles within a few days.

Gum grafting typically takes 45–90 minutes, depending on the number of teeth involved and the type of graft used.

After treatment, you may notice:

• Mild swelling or discomfort
• Temporary sensitivity
• Slight gum tenderness

These symptoms are temporary and improve as healing progresses.

Initial healing usually occurs within 1–2 weeks.
Complete integration of the graft takes place over several weeks.

Yes. Once healed, the graft blends naturally with your existing gum tissue, creating a healthy and seamless appearance.

While grafting restores gum coverage, maintaining results depends on:

• Good oral hygiene
• Regular dental visits
• Avoiding aggressive brushing
• Managing habits such as smoking

• Follow post-procedure care instructions carefully
• Use prescribed rinses or medications if advised
• Avoid disturbing the graft area during healing
• Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled

Bone grafting may be recommended when:

• There is bone loss after tooth extraction
• Gum disease has damaged the supporting bone
• An area needs strengthening before dental implant placement
• Bone loss affects tooth stability or bite function

Bone grafts may be made from:

• Your own bone
• Donor bone material
• Synthetic or biocompatible bone substitutes

The type used depends on the location, amount of bone loss, and treatment goals.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, making it comfortable during treatment.
Mild swelling or soreness may occur afterward and is usually manageable with prescribed medication.

How long does the bone grafting procedure take?
Bone grafting typically takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the area being treated.

Initial healing occurs within 1–2 weeks, while complete bone integration may take several months, depending on the type of graft and the individual’s healing response.

Yes. Bone grafting is often performed:

• At the time of tooth extraction
• Along with gum surgery
• Before or during dental implant treatment

Bone grafting significantly improves the chances of successful implant placement by creating a stable foundation. Final outcomes also depend on healing, oral hygiene, and overall health.

After the procedure, you may notice:

• Mild swelling or discomfort
• Temporary tenderness at the site

These symptoms usually resolve as healing progresses.

• Follow post-procedure instructions carefully
• Maintain gentle oral hygiene
• Avoid disturbing the graft site
• Attend all follow-up appointments

Gum disease is caused by bacteria that live deep below the gumline. When these bacteria are not completely eliminated, they continue to damage the gums and supporting bone—even if pain is not present.
Laser treatment helps target and destroy these bacteria and creates a healthier environment for the gums to heal.

Deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar mechanically.
Laser treatment adds a bactericidal effect, meaning it actively kills harmful bacteria and disinfects deep gum pockets. When used together, the results are more effective and longer-lasting.

Yes. Bleeding gums and persistent bad breath are common signs of active gum infection. By reducing bacterial load and inflammation, laser gum treatment often leads to:

• Less bleeding
• Healthier gum colour
• Fresher breath

Yes. Dental lasers are safe, well-researched, and widely used in periodontal care.
They are designed to selectively treat infected tissue while protecting healthy gums and bone.

Yes. Laser gum treatment is considered safe for pregnant patients when clinically indicated.
Because it is minimally invasive and does not involve medications or radiation, it can be a suitable option for managing pregnancy-related gum inflammation. Treatment is always planned carefully with patient comfort and safety in mind.

Most patients experience little to no discomfort. Local anaesthesia may be used if required.
After treatment, mild tenderness or sensitivity may occur but usually settles quickly.

Many patients notice:

• Reduced bleeding within a few days
• Healthier, firmer gums over the next few weeks
• Less gum swelling and discomfort

Healing continues gradually as the gums reattach and inflammation reduces.

Laser treatment helps control gum disease, but results last only if bacteria are kept under control. Long-term success depends on:

• Good daily oral hygiene
• Regular periodontal maintenance visits
• Avoiding smoking and other risk factors

In many mild to moderate cases, laser therapy can delay or reduce the need for surgical gum procedures.
However, advanced gum disease with significant bone loss may still require surgery.

This depends on:

• Severity of gum disease
• Number of affected areas
• Response to initial treatment

Your dentist will personalise the treatment plan for you.

Patients who get the best results:

• Brush and floss as advised
• Attend scheduled maintenance visits
• Follow post-treatment instructions
• Address lifestyle factors like smoking

Not always. Some advanced cases require surgical intervention.
A thorough periodontal evaluation is essential to decide whether laser treatment is appropriate for you.

GTR is recommended when gum disease has caused bone loss around the teeth. Without regeneration, this bone loss can progress and eventually lead to tooth mobility or tooth loss.

The barrier membrane:

• Blocks fast-growing gum tissue
• Creates space for slower-growing bone and ligament tissue
• Guides natural healing in the correct order

This allows the body to rebuild lost support around the tooth.

Yes. GTR is often performed to preserve natural teeth that might otherwise require extraction due to advanced periodontal damage.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and manageable with prescribed medications.

Initial healing occurs over 2–3 weeks, while bone regeneration continues over several months. Your dentist will monitor healing during follow-up visits.

In some cases, yes. Bone grafts or regenerative materials may be used alongside the membrane to improve bone regeneration, depending on the extent of bone loss.

Some membranes dissolve naturally over time, while others may need to be removed during a follow-up procedure. Your dentist will choose the appropriate type for your case.

You may experience:

• Mild swelling or tenderness
• Temporary restrictions on chewing in the treated area

Detailed post-treatment care instructions will be provided to support healing.

Success depends on:

• Severity of bone loss
• Oral hygiene practices
• Smoking status
• Regular periodontal maintenance

When combined with good care, GTR has a high success rate.

Yes, if oral hygiene and maintenance are neglected. GTR restores lost tissue, but ongoing care is essential to protect the results.

Yes. GTR can help rebuild bone and soft tissue, creating a healthier foundation for future restorative treatments, including dental implants.

Gum disease is a chronic condition. Even after successful treatment, bacteria can recolonise beneath the gums. Maintenance therapy helps control bacterial levels and prevent disease recurrence.

Each visit typically includes:

• Review of medical and dental history
• Assessment of gum health and pocket depths
• Professional cleaning of teeth and roots
• Removal of plaque and tartar below the gumline
• Reinforcement of oral hygiene techniques

Patients with a history of gum disease require closer monitoring than routine dental cleanings. The recall interval is customised based on:

• Severity of previous gum disease
• Healing response
• Smoking or medical risk factors
• Oral hygiene effectiveness

More frequent visits help maintain stability and prevent relapse.

Most patients find maintenance visits comfortable. Mild sensitivity may occur in certain areas, but this is usually minimal and temporary.

No. Periodontal maintenance is more detailed and targeted than routine dental cleaning. It focuses on previously diseased areas and deeper gum pockets.

Appointments usually last 30–60 minutes, depending on the extent of care required.

Yes, if maintenance visits or home care are missed. However, consistent maintenance greatly reduces the risk of disease progression and tooth loss.

Patients with a history of periodontal disease benefit from long-term maintenance to keep gums healthy and stable.

Yes. Maintenance therapy is essential for preventing peri-implant disease and ensuring the long-term success of dental implants.

• Brush and floss as advised
• Use prescribed oral hygiene aids
• Avoid smoking
• Attend scheduled maintenance appointments