Protect Your Smile with Expert Gum Disease Treatment
Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, confident smile. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even affect your overall health. The good news? With the right care, we can protect your gums, stop the damage, and help you keep your teeth for life.
What is gum (periodontal) disease?
Gum disease begins when plaque — a sticky layer of bacteria — builds up around your teeth. In the early stage, called gingivitis, your gums may look red, swollen, and bleed when brushing. The good news: Gingivitis is reversible with proper treatment.
If ignored, gum disease can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, gums pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” where bacteria thrive. This infection slowly destroys the bone that holds your teeth in place. Unlike gingivitis, this damage is permanent. Without treatment, teeth can become loose or even fall out.
1. Inflamed Gum 2. Plaque & Calculus 3. Pocket 4. Bone Loss
Do you have gum disease?
Sometimes gum disease causes no pain at all — which is why many people don’t realise they have it until it’s advanced. Watch for these warning signs:
Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Blood on your pillow when you wake up
Loose or shifting teeth
Receding gums (teeth look “longer”)
Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms, book an appointment as soon as possible. The earlier we treat gum disease, the easier it is to control.
Why treat gum disease?
Treating gum disease does more than protect your teeth — it improves your whole health and quality of life. Benefits include:
Healthy gums that don’t bleed when brushing
Fresher breath and better-tasting food
Reduced risk of tooth loss
Stronger gums that resist further recession
Potentially improved control of blood sugar for people with diabetes
Healthy gums = a healthy smile you can feel confident about.
Treatment Options
The main cause of gum disease is plaque, so treatment always begins with thorough cleaning — both at home and in the dental chair.
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A professional cleaning and advice on daily plaque control. With good brushing and flossing, gingivitis can be reversed.
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This stage requires deeper cleaning, often under local anaesthetic. The goal is to remove plaque and tartar trapped below the gum line. Successful treatment depends on your commitment to excellent daily home care and regular hygienist visits.
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When gum disease has advanced, bacteria spread deep below the gum line — where a toothbrush can’t reach. That’s where deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) comes in.
Removes plaque and tartar from tooth roots
Done gently with hand or ultrasonic tools
Usually performed under local anaesthetic for comfort
This treatment helps gums reattach to teeth and prevents further bone loss.
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If deep pockets remain after non-surgical cleaning, surgery may be needed.
The gums are gently lifted back to access and remove stubborn deposits
Gum tissue may be reshaped to reduce pocket depth
The gums are then stitched back in place for healing
While gum and bone damage from periodontitis cannot be reversed, surgery can help stop the disease from progressing — helping you keep your teeth for many years.
Key takeaway: Treating gum disease is a lifelong partnership between you and your dental team.
Pricing
Periodontal Assessment
(including all 2D X-rays)
£225
Oral Hygiene Instruction Appointment
With one of our Oral Health Educators
£70
Deep scaling & plaque control advice
from £300
from £850
Periodontal surgery
Oral Hygiene Check appointment
from £150
Periodontal Review appointment
from £150
Supportive Periodontal Therapy
With one of our hygienists
from £100
Hygiene appointment
from £100
Long-Term Gum Health
Periodontitis can usually be stabilised, but results vary depending on factors like plaque control, smoking, and genetics. Even after successful treatment, gum disease can return — which is why regular maintenance is essential.
Continue seeing your general dentist for routine care
Visit your hygienist or periodontist regularly for scaling
Maintain excellent daily brushing and flossing
Teamwork matters. Your dentist, hygienist, and periodontist provide the tools and care — but you are the most important member of the team. With your commitment, gum disease can be controlled for life.
If tooth loss has already occurred, replacement options include dentures, bridges, or dental implants. Implants should only be placed once gum disease is fully under control, to ensure long-term success.
Gum health is a lifelong partnership. Take the first step today.
Meet our Periodontist
With over 20 years of experience, Sarah Diederich is a trusted specialist in gum disease treatment. She is highly respected across Sussex for her caring approach and excellent results. Patients often praise her ability to make complex treatment feel comfortable and reassuring.
“My periodontist, Sarah, could not have been more considerate, professional and talented. She and her team made sure I was comfortable and encouraged me throughout treatment. Thanks to her care, my gums are healthy again, and I was able to keep teeth that were at risk.”
Ready to Restore Your Gum Health?
Don’t let gum disease put your teeth - or your implants - at risk.
FAQs
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Almost everyone will experience gingivitis at some point. But not everyone develops the more serious form, periodontitis.
You may be at higher risk if you:
Smoke or vape
Have diabetes or certain health conditions
Take medications that affect your immune system
Have a family history of gum disease
Don’t maintain consistent plaque control
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Research shows strong links between gum disease and overall health. Untreated periodontitis may increase your risk of:
Heart disease
Poorly controlled blood sugar
Pregnancy complications (pre-term or low birth-weight babies)
Osteoporosis
Alzheimer’s disease
Taking care of your gums helps protect your whole body.
Protect your gums — protect your health. Book An Assessment Today.
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Your dentist or hygienist can check for gum disease and show you how to care for your gums at home. In more advanced cases, or if standard treatment isn’t enough, you may be referred to a periodontist — a specialist in gum disease care.
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A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum disease. They also specialise in supporting dental implants by ensuring the gums and bone are healthy enough to keep them secure.
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Treatment removes harmful plaque and tartar, allowing gums to heal and “tighten” back against teeth. This helps stop bone loss and stabilises your condition.
Benefits include:
Healthier gums and fresher breath
Lower risk of tooth loss
Easier brushing and eating
Improved blood sugar control for people with diabetes
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Periodontitis can return if not carefully managed. That’s why ongoing care is vital. Regular hygienist visits, combined with good daily brushing and flossing, keep your gums stable for the long term.
Gum health is a lifelong partnership. Take the first step today.
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If gum disease has already led to tooth loss, missing teeth can be replaced with:
Dentures
Bridges
Dental implants (once the gums are stable)
Important: Dental implants should only be placed when gum disease is fully under control. Otherwise, the infection can damage the implants just like natural teeth.
Learn About Implant Treatments