Gum Disease Treatment in Dublin

Gingivitis is inflammation limited to the gums, commonly caused by plaque collecting around the gum line. The gums may look red or swollen and bleed during brushing or interdental cleaning. At this stage there is no loss of the bone supporting the teeth, and the inflammation can often be reversed with effective daily cleaning and professional care. Bleeding gums are common, but they are not normal and should not simply be accepted or avoided by brushing less.

Periodontitis is a deeper form of gum disease in which inflammation affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Pockets can form between the gum and tooth, making bacteria and calculus harder to remove at home. Bone loss cannot simply be reversed by routine cleaning, but treatment can control inflammation and reduce the risk of further damage. Without management, teeth may drift, become loose or eventually be lost.

Warning signs include bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste, tender or swollen gums, gums pulling away from teeth, teeth appearing longer, spaces developing and loose teeth. Gum disease can also progress with little pain, so an examination is important even when symptoms seem mild. Sudden facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or rapidly worsening pain needs urgent dental or medical attention.

Assessment begins with your symptoms, cleaning routine, previous dental care, medicines and relevant medical history. Smoking, diabetes, pregnancy and a family tendency to gum problems can affect risk or management, so tell the dentist about these factors. The gums are examined for inflammation, recession, deposits and tooth mobility, and the bite may also be reviewed.

Periodontal pocket charting uses a small calibrated probe to measure the space between each tooth and gum and record bleeding. Healthy sites are generally shallow; deeper measurements can indicate loss of attachment, although swelling and other factors affect the reading. X-rays may be recommended to assess the level and pattern of supporting bone and to identify other dental problems that could influence the plan.

The findings are explained before treatment begins. The first dental consultation is free, and an examination under PRSI is free for eligible patients. If non-surgical deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is required, the number of visits, treatment plan and cost are confirmed at the consultation because this treatment is not listed at a single published price.

Initial treatment focuses on controlling plaque above and below the gum line. This may include a scale and polish with the hygienist, which costs €100, or deeper cleaning of affected root surfaces when periodontal pockets are present. Deep cleaning is usually completed in sections and local anaesthetic may be used. Temporary tenderness, sensitivity and slight bleeding can occur afterwards, and the gums may look more receded as swelling settles.

Daily care is essential because professional treatment cannot compensate for plaque repeatedly collecting at home. You may be shown a brushing technique and how to use interdental brushes or floss in spaces of different sizes. Smoking cessation support and management of dry mouth or other contributing factors may also form part of care. Mouthwash is not a substitute for mechanical cleaning and should be used only as advised.

After the gums have had time to respond, pocket depths, bleeding and home care are reassessed. Many sites can be managed without surgery when deposits are removed and daily plaque control is consistent. Areas that remain deep or inflamed may need further non-surgical care, a surgical discussion or referral, depending on their position, bone support and overall prognosis.

Surgery is not the starting point for most gum disease. It may be considered when deep pockets or certain bone defects remain after non-surgical treatment and good home care. Access or pocket-reduction procedures allow root surfaces to be cleaned directly. Guided tissue regeneration, priced at €800 – €1,300, may be suitable for particular defects where a membrane or regenerative material is used to support healing; suitability depends on the anatomy and cannot be decided without assessment.

Crown lengthening removes or reshapes gum and sometimes supporting bone to expose more tooth structure. It may be required so that a damaged tooth can be restored properly or to manage a periodontal concern, and costs €200 – €900. Gum Contouring & Reshaping costs €600 – €900 and has different aims; it is not a treatment for active periodontitis unless included within a clinically appropriate periodontal plan.

Periodontal surgery is performed with local anaesthetic. Pressure may be felt during treatment, while soreness, swelling, bruising, sensitivity and minor bleeding can occur afterwards. Risks vary by procedure and can include infection, gum recession, exposed-root sensitivity, changes in appearance, delayed healing and failure to achieve the intended tissue response. Follow instructions on cleaning, eating and medicines, and contact the clinic promptly for uncontrolled bleeding, increasing swelling, fever, severe pain or other concerning symptoms.

Gum health and general health can influence one another. Diabetes, especially when blood glucose is poorly controlled, can increase the risk and severity of periodontitis, while periodontal inflammation may make diabetes management more difficult. Smoking is a major risk factor and can mask bleeding while impairing healing. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums react more strongly to plaque, so bleeding or swelling should be assessed; necessary preventive dental care can be planned safely with the dental team.

Research shows associations between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, but this does not mean gum disease directly causes a heart attack or that periodontal treatment prevents one. Gum care should form part of general health care, not replace medical treatment. Tell the dentist about diabetes, pregnancy, heart conditions, blood-thinning medicines and other relevant diagnoses, and continue care with your GP or specialist.

Active gum inflammation should be controlled and oral hygiene made reliable before dental implants are placed, because previous periodontitis and smoking increase the risk of disease around implants. Gum disease also requires lifelong maintenance rather than a one-off clean. Recall intervals are based on risk and response to care, with repeat pocket charting, professional cleaning and reinforcement of home care. Report renewed bleeding, bad breath, recession or looseness rather than waiting for the next routine visit.