Hygienist services
Professional cleaning and gum health support.
Learn moreHow we work
Periodontal treatment (Gum Disease)
Specialist-led gum disease assessment and treatment to stabilise supporting tissues and protect teeth.
Honest suitability
Do I have gum disease?
Gum disease ranges from reversible gingivitis to progressive periodontitis with bone loss. The signs are not always obvious. These indicators help you understand when professional assessment and treatment are warranted.
Suitable if
- Detailed gum charting - Records pocket depths and bleeding scores.
- Targeted debridement - Removes plaque and calculus above and below the gum line.
- Root surface cleaning - SRP smooths roots to support healing.
- Ongoing maintenance - Regular reviews reduce risk of progression and tooth loss.
May not be suitable if
- Teeth with insufficient structure for a filling alone
- Severe pain needing emergency assessment first
- Active gum disease without prior stabilisation
- When a crown is the more predictable long-term option
Patient benefits
Why periodontal treatment matters
Addressing gum disease systematically protects not just the teeth involved, but everything in your mouth, implants, crowns, veneers and orthodontic results all depend on healthy gum foundations.
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Disease stopped, not just slowed
Active periodontal treatment significantly reduces inflammation and stabilises bone levels before more damage occurs.
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Natural teeth protected
Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Treating it properly is the most direct way to keep your teeth longer.
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Implants and restorations protected too
Peri-implantitis, veneer failure and orthodontic relapse are all more likely when gum disease is left unmanaged.
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Measured progress
Pocket depths and bleeding scores let us track gum health objectively over time.
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Assessment visit Periodontal examination
We measure pockets, check bleeding, review x-rays and classify disease severity.
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Active care Cleaning and
root debridement Targeted cleaning and SRP are carried out over one or more sessions depending on disease extent.
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Review phase Re-evaluation Healing
response is checked and any further treatment needs are discussed.
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Long-term Supportive periodontal maintenance
Personalised hygiene intervals and home care coaching help prevent relapse.
Clinical assessment
How we measure and classify gum disease
Gum disease cannot be properly managed without being properly measured. These are the clinical markers we record at every assessment appointment.
- 01
Pocket depths and bleeding scores
Six-point charting records how far disease has progressed and which sites need focused care.
- 02
Bone loss on x-rays
Radiographs show whether supporting bone has been lost and how advanced the condition is.
- 03
Tooth mobility and bite factors
Loose teeth and heavy bite forces influence whether stabilisation, splinting or extraction is needed.
- 04
Risk factors and maintenance plan
Smoking, diabetes and home care habits shape how often you need review and what outcomes to expect.
Ask our periodontal dentist
Concerned about your gum health?
Dr Sami J Hassan
Typically replies during opening hours
Hi there 👋, send a short message about your treatment question and we'll reply on WhatsApp as soon as we can.
Balanced options
Alternatives to consider
Responsible dentistry means explaining every sensible option - not only the treatment you searched for.
Examinations & check-ups
Routine exams to monitor teeth, gums and soft tissues.
Learn moreDental implants
Long-term replacement for missing teeth.
Learn moreCommon questions
Frequently asked questions
Is gum disease reversible?
Early gum disease, called gingivitis, can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and better home care. Periodontitis is more advanced: the bone supporting teeth is affected and does not fully grow back. It can be controlled and stabilised, but long-term maintenance is essential. We classify your disease stage clearly and explain what that means for your plan.
Will deep cleaning hurt?
Local anaesthetic can be used to keep you comfortable, tenderness afterwards is usually mild and short-lived.
How often should I return?
Maintenance may be every 3–4 months for active or previous periodontal patients.
Does smoking affect gums?
Yes, smoking significantly increases risk and slows healing.
Can I get implants with gum disease?
Gums must be stable first, we treat disease before implant planning.
What is SRP?
Scaling and root planing is a deep clean that smooths root surfaces below the gum line to help gums reattach.
How do I book a periodontal consultation at Bridge Dental?
Use our online booking link or call reception. We will confirm appointment length, what to bring, and whether any preparatory steps are needed.
Are guide fees fixed before treatment?
We provide written estimates from our published fee guide. If your clinical needs change after assessment, we discuss any difference before proceeding.
What are gum “pockets”, and why do you chart them?
A pocket is the space between your gum and tooth. In healthy gums it is shallow; in gum disease it deepens as supporting tissues are lost. We measure pocket depths and bleeding scores at each assessment so we can track change precisely, not by guesswork. Those numbers guide whether you need scaling and root planing, further treatment, or maintenance only.