Comprehensive Gum Care to Protect the Foundation of Your Smile
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums (gingiva), bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth. Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile – without them, even the strongest teeth can become loose and eventually be lost.
At Dr. Shrey Suri's Specialist Dental Clinic in Gurugram, we offer a full spectrum of periodontal treatments, from non-surgical deep cleaning to advanced surgical procedures, to help you restore and maintain optimal gum health. Gum disease is often called a "silent disease" because it can progress without pain in its early stages, making regular dental check-ups essential for early detection.
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. It is caused by plaque build-up along the gum line, leading to inflammation. Symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing. The good news is that gingivitis is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene. No permanent damage to the bone or connective tissue has occurred at this stage.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to early periodontitis. The infection begins to affect the bone supporting the teeth. Gum pockets deepen (4-5 mm), and early bone loss becomes visible on X-rays. While the damage at this stage is not reversible, it can be effectively managed and prevented from worsening with timely intervention.
The infection spreads deeper, causing significant bone loss and deeper gum pockets (5-7 mm). Teeth may begin to feel loose or shift in position. Gum recession becomes noticeable, and pus may form between the teeth and gums. More aggressive treatment, often including surgical intervention, is required at this stage.
This is the most severe stage, with extensive bone destruction, very deep pockets (7+ mm), severe gum recession, and significant tooth mobility. Teeth may become painful to bite on, and tooth loss is likely without intervention. Comprehensive treatment involving surgery, bone grafting, and possibly extraction with implant replacement is typically needed.
The gold standard non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar (calculus) from above and below the gum line using ultrasonic and hand instruments. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, removing bacterial toxins and allowing the gums to reattach to the tooth. This is typically done under local anaesthesia for comfort and may require 2-4 visits depending on the severity.
When deep pockets persist after scaling and root planing, flap surgery is performed. The gums are gently lifted to expose the roots and bone for thorough cleaning and removal of infected tissue. The bone may be reshaped if necessary, and the gums are sutured back into place to fit snugly around the teeth, reducing pocket depth and making future cleaning easier.
When periodontitis has destroyed the bone supporting your teeth, bone grafting can help regenerate lost bone. Dr. Suri places bone graft material (from your own body, a donor, or synthetic sources) into the defect area. This acts as a scaffold for new bone growth, strengthening the foundation for your natural teeth or future dental implants.
For patients with significant gum recession that exposes tooth roots, gum grafting restores the lost tissue. Soft tissue is taken from the palate or a donor source and surgically placed over the exposed root area. This protects the roots from sensitivity and decay, improves aesthetics, and prevents further recession.
Laser-assisted periodontal therapy offers a minimally invasive alternative for treating gum disease. The dental laser precisely targets and removes diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue. Benefits include reduced bleeding, less swelling, faster healing, minimal discomfort, and often no need for sutures. It is particularly effective for patients who are anxious about traditional surgery.
Preventing gum disease is far easier and more affordable than treating it. Follow these guidelines to keep your gums healthy for life:
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene. However, once the disease progresses to periodontitis and bone loss occurs, the damage cannot be completely reversed. It can be effectively managed, halted, and in some cases partially regenerated with bone grafting procedures. This is why early detection is so important.
No. This is a common myth. Professional scaling removes harmful tartar deposits that are actually damaging your teeth and gums. After scaling, teeth may feel slightly sensitive or appear to have gaps, but this is because the tartar that was filling those spaces has been removed. Your teeth are healthier and stronger after the procedure, not weaker.
For patients with healthy gums, a professional cleaning every 6 months is recommended. If you have a history of gum disease or are currently undergoing periodontal treatment, Dr. Suri may recommend cleanings every 3-4 months to maintain the results and prevent recurrence.
Yes. Research has established strong links between periodontal disease and several systemic health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and complications during pregnancy. The chronic bacterial infection and inflammation in the gums can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. Treating gum disease protects not just your smile but your overall well-being.
Most periodontal treatments are performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing may cause mild sensitivity afterward, which subsides within a few days. Surgical procedures may involve a few days of post-operative discomfort managed with prescribed medication. Laser therapy, in particular, is known for minimal pain and faster healing.
Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile.