Gum surgery Archives

Many people assume that all dental problems can be treated by a general dentist — but when it comes to gum disease, gum recession, and bone loss, specialist care can make a crucial difference.

A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Knowing when to see a gum specialist can help you protect your teeth, avoid unnecessary tooth loss, and improve your long-term oral health.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist provides expert-led periodontal care for patients at all stages of gum disease.

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on:

Gum health
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Bone loss around teeth
Gum recession
Dental implant health

After qualifying as a dentist, a periodontist completes several additional years of postgraduate training, gaining expertise in advanced diagnostics, non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatments, and long-term maintenance of gum health.

What Does a Periodontist Do?

A periodontist provides specialist care beyond routine dental cleaning.

1. Diagnose Gum Disease Accurately

Periodontists use detailed assessments to detect gum disease early, including:

Measuring gum pocket depths
Assessing bone levels
Identifying inflammation and infection
Evaluating risk factors such as smoking or diabetes

2. Treat Moderate to Advanced Gum Disease

For patients with periodontitis, a periodontist can provide:

Deep cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Targeted antimicrobial therapy
Specialist periodontal treatment plans
Supportive periodontal maintenance

These treatments aim to stop disease progression and stabilise the gums.

3. Treat Gum Recession

Gum recession can cause sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and root exposure.
A periodontist can offer:

Non-surgical management
Gum grafting procedures
Treatment to prevent further recession

4. Manage Dental Implants & Peri-Implantitis

Periodontists are experts in the health of tissues around dental implants, including:

Prevention of implant complications
Treatment of peri-implantitis
Long-term implant maintenance

5. Perform Advanced Periodontal Surgery

In more advanced cases, treatment may include:

Regenerative procedures
Surgical periodontal therapy
Bone and tissue preservation techniques

When Should You See a Gum Specialist?

You should consider seeing a periodontist if you notice:

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Swollen or red gums
Persistent bad breath
Gum recession or teeth looking longer
Loose or shifting teeth
A history of gum disease
Dental implants that feel uncomfortable
You smoke or have diabetes

Early referral to a gum specialist can prevent permanent damage.

Why Specialist Periodontal Care Matters

Gum disease is often painless — but its effects can be serious.

Without specialist treatment, periodontal disease can lead to:

Bone loss
Tooth movement
Tooth loss
Implant failure
Complex and costly treatment

Seeing a periodontist early often means simpler, more comfortable treatment and better long-term results.

Periodontal Care at Hammersmith Dental Care

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist offers:

✔ Comprehensive gum assessments
✔ Evidence-based periodontal treatment
✔ Personalised maintenance programmes
✔ Long-term gum stability and prevention

We work closely with your general dentist to ensure seamless care.

Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems in the UK — yet many people don’t realise they have it until it becomes serious. Because gum disease often progresses quietly, recognising the early signs can help you protect your teeth, prevent bone loss, and avoid more complex treatment in the future.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontal team helps patients spot the warning signs early and get the specialist care they need to keep their gums healthy for life.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) happens when plaque bacteria cause inflammation of the gums.
It begins as gingivitis, and if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

The sooner gum disease is detected, the easier it is to treat — and the better the long-term outcome for your oral health.

Early Signs of Gum Disease You Should Never Ignore

1- Bleeding Gums

If your gums bleed when brushing, flossing, or eating, it is not normal.
Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation.

Why it matters:
Bleeding indicates that plaque and bacteria are building up around the gumline, causing irritation and swelling

2- Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums

Healthy gums should be firm and pink.
Redness or puffiness means your immune system is responding to bacteria.

Why it matters:
Swelling is an early indicator of gingivitis and can progress quickly without treatment.

3- Bad Breath That Doesn’t Go Away

Persistent bad breath (halitosis) or an unpleasant taste can be caused by trapped bacteria under the gums.

Why it matters:
Gum infection produces gases that cause odour — a strong sign that harmful bacteria are present.

4- Receding Gums

Your teeth may start to look “longer” as the gums shrink away from the surface.

Why it matters:
Gum recession is often linked to early periodontitis and can expose the roots, causing sensitivity and increasing the risk of tooth loss.

5- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

When the gums pull back, the root surface becomes exposed, leading to discomfort or sharp sensitivity.

Why it matters:
This is a sign that gum inflammation has already started to damage tissue.

6- Loose Teeth or Changes to Your Bite

In advanced stages, patients may notice movement in their teeth or that their bite feels different.

Why it matters:
This indicates bone loss, which requires urgent periodontal treatment.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Treating gum disease early prevents:

Gum recession
Bone loss
Tooth mobility
Tooth loss
Pain and infection
The need for surgery

Early diagnosis often means treatment can be non-surgical and more comfortable, such as:

Professional deep cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Hygiene therapy
Targeted periodontal treatment
Home-care guidance to support long-term gum health

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist provides advanced care for all stages of gum disease, ensuring predictable, long-lasting results.

When to See a Periodontist

You should book a periodontal assessment if you notice:

✔ Ongoing bleeding gums
✔ Bad breath despite cleaning
✔ Gum recession
✔ Loose teeth
✔ A family history of gum disease
✔ You smoke or have diabetes (higher risk)

Our specialist-led team offers comprehensive gum assessments using advanced diagnostic tools

Gum grafts and Smile Makeovers

Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile. If you are experiencing gum recession, sensitivity, or feel unhappy with your smile, combining a gum graft with a smile makeover can restore both health and aesthetics. At Hammersmith Dental Care, we provide advanced periodontal and cosmetic treatments to help you achieve a confident, long-lasting smile.

What Is a Gum Graft?

A gum graft is a periodontal procedure used to treat gum recession by adding healthy tissue to areas where gums have receded. This helps protect the tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the appearance of the gum line.

Benefits of a gum graft

Protects tooth roots
Reduces sensitivity
Strengthens gum health
Improves smile symmetry
Helps prevent further recession

Why Gum Grafts Are Important in Smile Makeovers

If your gums have receded, cosmetic treatments alone won’t achieve the best result. A gum graft:
- Creates a healthier foundation for veneers or bonding
- Improves smile symmetry
- Restores a youthful gum line
- Enhances gum-to-tooth proportions
- Supports long-term aesthetic stability
Treating the gums first ensures your smile makeover looks natural and lasts longer.

Why Choose Hammersmith Dental Care?

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our team offers specialist-led gum treatment and advanced cosmetic dentistry, allowing us to treat both health and aesthetics together.

What we offer:
- Evidence-based periodontal care
- Modern cosmetic dentistry
- Personalised smile makeover plans
- Digital smile design
- Comfortable, patient-focused experience
FAQ
1. Is a gum graft painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort thanks to modern techniques and local anaesthetic. Mild soreness is normal for a few days.
1. How long does a gum graft take to heal?
Initial healing takes about 1–2 weeks. Full stability develops over a few months.
1. Can a gum graft be part of a smile makeover?
Yes— restoring the gum line first often makes cosmetic results more natural and longer-lasting.
1. What causes gum recession?
Common causes include gum disease, over-brushing, genetics, orthodontic treatment, and ageing.
1. How much does a gum graft cost in London?
Costs vary depending on the amount of recession and the type of graft used. A consultation at Hammersmith Dental Care provides a personalised treatment plan.

References
1. American Academy of Periodontology – Soft Tissue Grafting Guidelines
2. British Society of Periodontology – Gum Recession Treatment

Did you know that treating gum disease can help protect not just your smile — but also your heart health?
Recent research from University College London found that professional gum treatment may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
At Hammersmith Dental Care, we provide gentle, effective gum disease treatments in Hammersmith to stop bleeding gums, prevent infection, and keep your smile healthy for life.

New Research: Treating Gum Disease May Protect Your Heart

A 2025 study from University College London (UCL) revealed that treating gum disease can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In the study, patients who received intensive gum treatment (deep cleaning) showed healthier blood vessels after two years — potentially lowering their cardiovascular risk by around 10%.

This is because gum inflammation doesn’t stay isolated in your mouth. Harmful bacteria and inflammatory molecules can enter the bloodstream, contributing to narrowing and stiffening of the arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

(Source: University College London, 2025)

Why Gum Health Is Vital

Your mouth and body are deeply connected.
Research continues to show that gum disease is linked to serious health conditions, including:

Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes complications
Premature birth (in expectant mothers)

That’s why at Hammersmith Dental Care, we take a proactive approach to gum health — helping patients not only protect their teeth but also support their overall wellbeing.

Understanding Gum Disease

If your gums bleed when brushing, feel swollen, or you’ve noticed persistent bad breath, you might have gum disease — one of the most common oral health problems in adults.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, we see many patients with early and advanced gum disease (also known as periodontitis). The condition develops when plaque and bacteria build up around the teeth, causing the gums to become inflamed and infected.

Common signs of gum disease include:

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Persistent bad breath
Receding gums or teeth appearing longer
Loose teeth or gaps forming between teeth

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional care early.

Professional Gum Disease Treatments at Hammersmith Dental Care

Our experienced dental team provides specialist advanced gum disease treatments in Hammersmith designed to stop infection, restore gum health, and prevent further damage.

Our approach includes:

Professional scale and polish – removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
Deep cleaning (root planing) – smooths the roots of teeth to help gums reattach and heal.
Antibacterial treatment – targets bacteria beneath the gum surface.
Ongoing maintenance care – tailored hygiene visits to keep gums healthy long-term.

Every treatment plan is personalised to your needs, ensuring comfort and effective results.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Here are a few steps you can take at home to maintain great gum health:

Brush twice daily for at least 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.
Avoid smoking, which increases gum disease risk.
Eat a balanced, low-sugar diet to support gum health.
Visit your dentist or hygienist regularly — ideally every 6 months.

If your gums bleed or feel sore, don’t ignore it. Early gum disease can often be reversed with professional cleaning and good oral care.

When to Book a Gum Health Appointment

You should see your dentist if you notice:

Bleeding or swollen gums
Persistent bad breath
Loose teeth
Gums that have receded or are painful

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our friendly team will perform a thorough gum assessment and provide the right treatment to help restore your oral health and confidence.

Healthy Gums, Healthy Body

Your gums are the foundation of your smile — and a reflection of your overall health.
By taking care of them, you’re helping to protect your teeth, heart, and general wellbeing.

“Healthy gums don’t just make your smile stronger — they help protect your heart and body too.”
– The Hammersmith Dental Care Team

Book Your Gum Disease Consultation in Hammersmith

If you’re worried about bleeding gums or gum disease, we’re here to help.
At Hammersmith Dental Care, our skilled dentists and hygienists offer gentle, effective treatments to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Call us on 02087414777 or Book Online today to schedule your gum health check.

We’re conveniently located in Hammersmith, West London, and welcome both new and existing patients.

If you’ve ever noticed a little blood in the sink after brushing or flossing, you’re not alone. Bleeding gums are one of the most common early signs that your gums may be irritated or inflamed — and it’s your body’s way of saying, “something isn’t quite right.”

The good news? In most cases, it’s easy to fix when caught early. Let’s look at why gums bleed, what it could mean, and how to stop it before it turns into something more serious.

The Most Common Cause: Gingivitis

The number one reason for bleeding gums is gingivitis — the early stage of gum disease.
It happens when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up along the gumline. When plaque isn’t removed properly, it irritates the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding.

Common signs of gingivitis:

Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
Puffy, tender gums
Bad breath that won’t go away
A sour taste in your mouth

The best part? Gingivitis is completely reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning from your dentist or hygienist.

When Gum Disease Gets Worse: Periodontitis

If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.
At this stage, the infection moves deeper and starts to affect the bone and tissues that support your teeth.

Signs of periodontitis:

Receding gums (teeth may look longer)
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Gums that pull away from your teeth (forming “pockets”)
Loose or shifting teeth
Pain when chewing

Once gum disease reaches this stage, it can’t be fully reversed — but it can be managed with professional treatment and regular care.

Other Possible Reasons for Bleeding Gums

While gum disease is the most common cause, other factors can also contribute:

Brushing too hard or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush
Skipping flossing (causing gums to be tender when you start again)
Vitamin C or K deficiency
Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause)
Certain medications (especially those that cause dry mouth or thin the blood)
Smoking or vaping, which reduces blood flow to the gums
Medical conditions like diabetes

If you’re unsure what’s causing your bleeding gums, it’s always safest to have them checked by your dentist.

How to Stop Gums from Bleeding?

The best way to stop bleeding gums is to treat the cause — not the symptom.
Here’s what you can do starting today:

At Home:

Brush gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
Rinse with water or an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.
Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and K (fruits, leafy greens, bell peppers).
Quit smoking or vaping — your gums will thank you!

At the Dentist:

Book a professional cleaning (scaling and polishing) to remove hardened plaque and tartar.
Have your dentist check for gum pockets or early bone loss.
Follow any personalised advice for brushing, flossing, or mouthwash use.

Why Gum Health Matters

Healthy gums aren’t just about keeping your teeth in place — they’re vital for your overall health.
Research shows that gum disease has been linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and low-birth-weight babies.
Keeping your gums healthy supports your whole body.

When to See Your Dentist

You should book an appointment if:

Your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing
You notice swelling, redness, or receding gums
You have persistent bad breath or bad taste
Your teeth feel loose or painful
It’s been over 6 months since your last dental visit

Don’t wait until it hurts — gum problems are easiest to treat before they become painful.

Healthy gums = a healthy smile (and a healthier you).