Gum Disease Treatment in London

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions, affecting most people at some stage in life. While it can begin with mild symptoms, if left untreated it can progress and damage the supporting tissues around your teeth. At Thousand Smiles, we provide tailored treatment plans for gum disease — from routine cleaning and preventive care to advanced surgical procedures.

Our goal is to protect your gums, restore stability, and help you maintain a healthy smile for the long term.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease develops in stages, and treatment depends on how advanced the condition is:

Gingivitis – the earliest stage, where gums may look red, swollen, or bleed easily.
Periodontitis – a more advanced stage where the gum begins to pull away from the teeth, creating “pockets” that can trap bacteria.
Advanced periodontitis – bone and tissue supporting the teeth are damaged, which may lead to tooth loss if not managed effectively.

Lifestyle factors, genetics, systemic health conditions, and oral hygiene habits all influence how gum disease develops and how it responds to treatment.

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, swelling, or gum recession, call Thousand Smiles today on 020 3773 2280 to arrange an appointment.

020 3773 2280

Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatments

For many patients, early-stage gum disease can be managed with non-surgical care. Common treatments include:

Professional Cleaning

Regular dental hygiene appointments help remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot reach. If gum disease is detected, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to control bacterial build-up.

Scaling and Root Planing

Often referred to as a “deep clean,” this procedure removes tartar and bacteria from above and below the gum line. The root surfaces are then smoothed, making it easier for the gum tissue to reattach to the teeth. This is carried out under local anaesthetic for comfort.

These non-surgical treatments are often the first step and can significantly slow or even reverse gum disease progression in its earlier stages.

Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease

If gum disease has caused significant damage to the gums or supporting bone, surgical procedures may be required:

Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction)

The gums are carefully lifted back to remove deep deposits of bacteria and tartar. Damaged bone may also be reshaped before the gums are repositioned to reduce pocket depth and make the area easier to clean.

Bone Grafts

Bone grafting helps regenerate bone lost through gum disease. The material may come from your own body, a donor source, or be synthetic. This procedure helps stabilise teeth and encourages regrowth.

Soft Tissue Grafts

When gums have receded, thin areas can be reinforced with grafts, usually taken from the roof of the mouth. This restores coverage, improves appearance, and reduces sensitivity.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

This advanced technique encourages new bone and tissue growth. A small mesh barrier is placed between the gum and bone to prevent unwanted tissue growth, giving the bone space to heal and regenerate.

Bone Surgery

Where gum disease has caused craters in the bone, reshaping may be required to reduce bacteria-friendly spaces. This is often done alongside flap surgery.

Surgery is recommended when non-surgical approaches alone cannot repair the damage or when gum and bone support has been significantly weakened.

Medications for Gum Disease

Alongside mechanical treatment, antibiotics may be prescribed to help control infection. These can be delivered in different ways, including:

Antibiotic chips or gels placed into gum pockets after deep cleaning, slowly releasing medication over time.
Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline to target bacteria.
Specialised toothpaste or mouth rinses with antibacterial properties to support daily home care.

Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your condition.

What to Expect from Treatment

Most gum disease treatments are performed in the dental chair. Recovery times depend on the stage of gum disease and the type of procedure carried out. Non-surgical treatments usually have minimal downtime, while surgical care may require a short healing period.

Every patient receives a tailored aftercare plan to support healing and long-term gum health.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Managing gum disease is an ongoing process. After treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent recurrence. Key steps include:

Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Flossing or using interdental brushes to clean between teeth.
Attending routine check-ups and hygiene appointments as advised.
Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of gum disease progression.

Your dentist will also schedule regular reviews to monitor gum health and ensure treatment has been effective.

Who Is Suitable for Gum Disease Treatment?

Anyone showing signs of gum disease — from bleeding gums to loosened teeth — should seek treatment. You may be particularly at risk if you:

Have a family history of gum disease
Smoke or use tobacco
Live with diabetes or other systemic health conditions
Have poor oral hygiene habits

Treatment is always more effective when started early, which is why regular dental visits are so important.

Alternatives and Supportive Care

In very mild cases, lifestyle changes combined with professional cleaning may be enough to restore gum health. In more advanced cases, surgical treatment may be the only option to preserve natural teeth. Where tooth loss has already occurred, replacement solutions such as dental implants may be considered as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gum disease reversible?

Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with good hygiene and professional treatment. Advanced gum disease cannot be fully reversed but can be managed to prevent further damage.
Will the treatment hurt?

Non-surgical treatments are performed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel discomfort. Surgical treatments may involve some soreness afterwards, which can be managed with pain relief and aftercare instructions.
How long does treatment take?

This depends on the severity of your condition. Deep cleaning can usually be completed in one or two visits, while surgical treatments may require more time and follow-up appointments.
Can gum disease come back?

Yes, which is why ongoing care and maintenance are crucial. Regular check-ups and good daily oral hygiene are the best defences against recurrence.
Is gum disease linked to overall health?

Research suggests gum disease is connected to wider health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Treating gum disease supports not only oral health but general wellbeing.

Book Your Gum Health Appointment

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait for them to progress. At Thousand Smiles, we offer complete gum care — from preventive cleaning to advanced periodontal surgery.