Gum treatment in Castalla
General information. Always follow your dentist's instructions.
Gum treatment (periodontics) at Clínica Dental Castalla deals with diseases of the gums and of the bone that holds the teeth, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. The main treatment is scaling and root planing, a deep clean under the gum. We are in the centre of Castalla; to book an appointment, call us or send us a WhatsApp message.
We treat your gums in depth to stop inflammation and bleeding and save your teeth.
The gums and the bone around the roots are the foundations of the teeth. Periodontics is the part of dentistry that looks after them: it prevents, diagnoses and treats the diseases that inflame them and that, over time, can make teeth loosen.
The mildest form is gingivitis, an inflammation of the gum caused mainly by the bacterial plaque that builds up next to the tooth. It is usually noticed because the gums bleed when brushing, look red or are slightly swollen. In many cases it improves with good hygiene and a professional cleaning.
If the inflammation continues, it can progress to periodontitis. In this case the gum comes away from the tooth and pockets form where bacteria build up out of reach of the toothbrush. Over time, the bone that holds the tooth can gradually be lost. That is why it is worth treating it as early as possible: the aim is to stop it progressing and keep the teeth.
Unhealthy gums give clues: they bleed when you brush or floss, they recede and make the teeth look longer, bad breath appears and does not go away, the necks of the teeth feel sensitive, or some teeth start to move or spread apart. None of these signs on its own shows how advanced the disease is; that needs an examination by the dentist.
Smoking, some conditions such as diabetes and some hormonal changes, such as those in pregnancy, can affect gum health. If this applies to you, it is useful to mention it at the appointment. For the diagnosis, the dentist measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth and, if needed, uses X-rays to see the state of the bone.
Periodontitis needs ongoing care. After treatment, hygiene at home and maintenance check-ups are what help the gums stay stable. The dentist will tell you how to look after them and how often to come back, because the frequency of maintenance check-ups depends on each person and on how their gums respond to treatment.
Treatments included
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing, also called curettage, is the basic treatment for periodontitis. It involves thoroughly cleaning the root surfaces below the gum to remove the plaque and tartar that brushing and a regular cleaning cannot reach, and smoothing the root so that the gum can reattach to it. It is usually done under local anaesthetic, one area of the mouth at a time. Afterwards it is common to notice some sensitivity or mild discomfort for a few days, and for the gums to recede slightly as the swelling goes down. After some time, the dentist checks how the gums have responded and decides whether anything else is needed. The result depends a great deal on daily hygiene and maintenance check-ups.
What the first visit is like
It is free. It includes an assessment and diagnosis; you only pay for the panoramic X-ray if one is needed.
Patients from Castalla and nearby
We see patients from Castalla and the surrounding towns:
- Castalla
- Onil, about 7 minutes by car
- Ibi, about 14 minutes by car
- Tibi, about 15 minutes by car
- Biar, about 15 minutes by car
Driving time to the clinic according to OpenStreetMap · OSRM. Routes: Onil, Ibi, Tibi, Biar
General information. Always follow your dentist's instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush?
It is not normal: bleeding is usually a sign of gum inflammation. It is worth having a dentist check it to find out whether it is gingivitis or something more advanced.
What is the difference between a cleaning and scaling?
A cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gum. Scaling reaches below the gum, to the root surfaces, and is used to treat periodontitis.
Can periodontitis be cured?
It can be controlled. Treatment aims to stop it progressing and keep the gums stable, and daily hygiene and maintenance check-ups are important for that.