Targeted Gum Disease Treatment to Prevent Tooth Mobility and Permanent Tooth Loss
Maintain healthy, strong gums with root planing, gum grafting, and periodontal surgery. At Siam Dental Clinic, our team of board certified periodontists is ready to help restore your periodontal health before it’s too late.
What Is Gum Disease Treatment?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition that often shows no obvious symptoms in its early stages. If left untreated, it can progress and lead to tooth mobility, gum recession, and permanent tooth loss.
Gum disease treatment involves more than routine dental scaling. It requires advanced periodontal care, such as Root Planing to remove bacteria deeply embedded beneath the gum line or subgingival , gum grafting or Gingival Graft to repair receding gums, and crown lengthening surgery.
Crown Lengthening or Esthetic Gingival Recontouring: For perfect dental restorations including fillings, veneers, and crowns. Achieve a flawless smile and ensure to improve long-term periodontal and dental health.
At Siam Dental Clinic, our team of specialist periodontists provides comprehensive, step-by-step care using advanced technology and international treatment standards. We are committed to restoring your gum health so you can regain confidence in your smile.
Gum Disease Treatment
at Siam Dental Clinic
At Siam Dental Clinic, we provide comprehensive periodontal care, particularly for patients experiencing gingival inflammation, gum recession, or early tooth mobility caused by periodontal disease a condition that often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms.
Our treatments are delivered by specialist periodontists with advanced expertise in gum and supporting tooth structures. With a deep understanding of periodontal health and the use of advanced diagnostic and treatment-planning technologies, we ensure precise, effective, and personalized care.
- Scaling
- Root Planing
- Gingival Graft (Gum Grafting)
- Crown Lengthening Surgery
- Periodontal Surgery (Gum Surgery)
- Tooth Splinting
What Is Dental Scaling?
Dental Scaling is a common dental procedure designed to remove accumulated plaque and calculus or tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and along the gumline. These deposits are the primary causes of gum disease and tooth decay.
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless to pale yellow film of bacteria that constantly forms on the surfaces of your teeth. It is the primary culprit behind most common dental problems, from cavities to gum disease.
Think of it as a "biofilm" a complex community of living microorganisms that thrives in the moist environment of your mouth.
How Does Plaque Form?
Plaque formation is a continuous process that begins just minutes after you brush.
- The Foundation: A thin layer of proteins from your saliva (called the pellicle) coats your teeth.
- Bacterial Colonization: Bacteria naturally present in your mouth attach to this sticky layer.
- Growth and Multiplication: As the bacteria feed on sugars and starches from the food you eat, they multiply and produce a sticky matrix that helps them cling together.
- Acid Production: As these bacteria digest carbohydrates, they release acids as a byproduct. These acids are what dissolve tooth enamel and irritate gum tissue.
Why Is It Harmful?
If plaque is not removed daily through brushing and flossing, it leads to two major issues:
- Tooth Decay (Cavities): The acids produced by plaque eat away at the hard enamel of your teeth, creating small holes.
- Gum Disease: Plaque near the gumline releases toxins that cause inflammation (Gingivitis). If left untreated, it can progress to Periodontitis, where the body’s immune system begins to break down the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place.
Plaque vs. Tartar (Calculus)
It is important to distinguish between the two:
- Plaque: Soft, sticky, and can be removed at home with a toothbrush and floss.
- Tartar: This is plaque that has mixed with minerals in your saliva and hardened (calcified). Once it turns into tartar, it is like "cement" on your teeth and can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist using professional scaling tools.
How to Control Plaque
Since plaque grows every 24 hours, management is all about consistency:
- Brush twice a day for at least 3-5 minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to reach the plaque between teeth where a brush can't go.
- Limit sugary and starchy foods, which act as "fuel" for plaque-forming bacteria.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning to remove any plaque you missed that has turned into tartar.
Even with meticulous brushing and flossing, residual plaque can deposit on your tooth surface if you use the wrong brushing technique. react with minerals in your saliva and harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed by regular brushing and requires a dentist using specialized professional tools to safely clear it away.
Why is Regular Scaling Necessary?
The buildup of tartar is the starting point for various oral health issues. If left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences, such as:
- Gingivitis: Causes swollen, red gums that bleed easily during brushing.
- Periodontal Disease (Periodontitis): Tartar can spread beneath the gumline, destroying the bone that supports your teeth. This leads to gum recession, loose teeth, a loss of confidence, and eventual tooth loss.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): Bacteria trapped in tartar are a major source of persistent unpleasant breath.
- Tooth Decay: Plaque produces acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
- Systemic Infections: Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect other organs, particularly the heart and brain.
The Scaling Process
- Oral Examination: The dentist performs a comprehensive check-up of your teeth and gums to assess the level of tartar buildup.
- Scaling: Using an Ultrasonic Scaler (high-frequency vibration) and precision hand instruments, the dentist meticulously removes tartar from all surfaces.
- Polishing: After the tartar is removed, a specialized polishing paste is used to smooth the tooth surface. This makes it harder for new plaque to adhere to the teeth.
- Fluoride Treatment (Optional): A professional fluoride application may be provided to strengthen the enamel and further prevent decay.
Dentist's Recommendation
To maintain optimal oral hygiene and detect potential issues in their earliest stages, we recommend a professional dental check-up and scaling every 6 to 12 months.
Root Planing
Root planing is a periodontal procedure designed to remove tartar (calculus) and bacteria that accumulate deep below the gum line, areas that cannot be effectively cleaned with regular toothbrushing. The buildup of these deposits is a major cause of chronic gum disease and tooth mobility over time.
Although it may sound concerning, root planing is a safe, minimally uncomfortable, and effective treatment. When performed by an experienced dental professional, it helps the gums heal and reattach firmly to the tooth surface, reducing inflammation and preventing further periodontal damage.
Common indications include:
1. Swollen, red gums or bleeding during toothbrushing
2. Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene
3. Gum recession, teeth appearing longer than normal, or mild tooth mobility
4. Early to moderate periodontal disease
5. Individuals who have never undergone root planing or have not had professional dental cleaning for many years
How Deep is Too Deep? Understanding Gum Recession and Periodontitis
Many patients ask: "At what point does gum recession become a serious disease?" While "recession" is the visual pulling away of the gum from the tooth, dentists measure the "Periodontal Pocket Depth" to diagnose the severity of the disease.
The Magic Number: 4 Millimeters
Here is how we categorize the health of your gums based on pocket depth measurements:
- 1–3 mm (Healthy Gums): This is the ideal range. Your gums are firm, pink, and do not bleed during brushing or flossing.
- 4-5 mm (Early Periodontitis): This is the warning zone. A 4mm pocket indicates that plaque and bacteria have started to destroy the attachment between the gum and the tooth,requiring deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing).
- 6-7 mm (Moderate Periodontitis): At this depth, bone loss is likely occurring. It becomes impossible to clean these pockets thoroughly at home, requiring professional deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) and surgical intervention might be necessary to save them.
- 8 mm or deeper (Advanced Periodontitis): This is a critical stage with significant bone loss. Teeth may feel loose and surgical intervention might be necessary to save them,possibly to be taken out
Why 4mm Matters
Once a pocket reaches 4mm or deeper, it creates a "biological trap" where oxygen-hating bacteria thrive. These bacteria are the primary cause of bone destruction and tooth loss if left untreated.
Conclusion
- Normal: 1–3 mm
- Infected: 4+ mm
Don't wait for the pain. Gum disease is often painless until it's too late. If you notice your teeth looking "longer" or feel a gap forming between your teeth and gums, schedule a periodontal screening today.
Key Benefits of Root Planing
1. Effectively reduces gum inflammation : Helps swollen gums subside, allowing them to reattach firmly to the tooth roots and stop bleeding during brushing.
2. Eliminates deep-seated bacteria : Removes bacteria that cannot be reached by regular brushing, which are the primary cause of gum recession and long-term tooth mobility.
3. Slows or halts the progression of periodontal disease : Without proper treatment, periodontal disease may eventually require tooth extraction. Root planing helps prevent the need for more invasive procedures in the future.
4. Reduces chronic bad breath (halitosis) : Bacteria beneath the gum line are a major cause of persistent bad breath that brushing or mouthwash alone cannot eliminate.
5. Prepares the mouth for further dental treatments : Creates a clean and smooth root surface, making it an essential step before gum grafting, dental crowns, or other advanced treatments.
Root Planing (Per Quadrant)
Price THB 1,500 – 3,000
Gum Graft
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure used to treat gum recession, which is commonly caused by periodontal disease, overly aggressive toothbrushing, or unconscious habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism). Receding gums not only make teeth appear abnormally long, but also increase the risk of root caries and severe tooth sensitivity.
During the procedure, the dentist harvests gingival tissue from the palate (roof of the mouth) or a nearby donor site and grafts it onto the area with gum recession. This helps restore gum coverage over the tooth roots, protecting them and improving both function and aesthetics.
Who Should Consider Gum Grafting?
1. Individuals with significant gum recession and visibly exposed tooth roots
2. Those experiencing chronic tooth sensitivity due to exposed roots
3. Patients who have undergone periodontal treatment but continue to have gum recession
4. Individuals planning veneers or dental crowns with uneven or inadequate gum margins
5. Patients seeking gum reshaping for aesthetic improvement and a more confident smile
Benefits of Gum Grafting
1. Prevents root caries Receding gums expose the tooth roots directly to bacteria, significantly increasing the risk of decay at the root surface.
2. Reduces tooth sensitivity After gum grafting, sensitivity caused by exposed roots is noticeably reduced, improving everyday comfort when eating or drinking.
3. Enhances gum aesthetics and smile balance Creates a smoother, more even gum line ideal for patients planning cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers or orthodontic treatment.
4. Strengthens gingival tissue Reinforces the gum tissue and helps prevent further recession affecting adjacent teeth.
5. Reduces the risk of future tooth mobility Well-protected tooth roots supported by healthy gum tissue contribute to greater tooth stability and long-term oral health.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgical procedure that involves reshaping the gum tissue and, in some cases, the underlying bone to expose more of the natural tooth structure. This procedure is suitable for both aesthetic purposes and functional dental treatments, such as preparing a tooth for a dental crown or restoration when the tooth is fractured, worn down, or decayed below the gum line.
Crown lengthening does not actually make the tooth longer. Instead, it repositions the gum line and surrounding bone to allow proper access for dental treatment and to ensure long-term stability and oral health.
Who Is Crown Lengthening Suitable For?
1. Individuals with excessive gum coverage, short-looking teeth, or a gummy smile
2. Patients with fractured or decayed teeth extending below the gum line who require crowns or fillings
3. Those preparing for veneers or orthodontic treatment who need a more balanced gum line
4. Individuals seeking a more natural and harmonious smile with smooth, even gum contours
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
1. Preparing the Tooth Surface for Secure Crowns and Fillings:
In cases where a tooth is too short or has insufficient height to support a restoration, this surgical procedure ensures a stable foundation. By increasing the visible tooth surface, dentists can securely attach crowns or fillings with maximum retention. This significantly reduces the risk of the restoration becoming loose, falling out, or leading to recurrent decay in the future.
2. Treating Deep Decay or Fractures Below the Gum Line
When a tooth is severely decayed or fractured beneath the gum line, it becomes impossible to achieve a proper seal for a filling or crown. Functional Crown Lengthening exposes the damaged area by bringing the edge of the tooth above the gum tissue. This allows the dentist to:
- Capture Accurate Impressions: Ensuring the boundaries of the decay or fracture are clearly visible for a precise fit.
- Ensure a Seamless Fit: High-quality restorations (fillings/crowns) can be bonded tightly to the natural tooth structure.
- Prevent Future Complications: A well-fitted restoration prevents recurrent decay and avoids gum inflammation or swelling caused by "impingement" (when dental materials are placed too deep under the gums, irritating the surrounding tissue).
3. Improves smile aesthetics and proportion
Especially effective for gummy smile cases, helping teeth appear more proportional and visually balanced.
4. Reduces the risk of recurrent gum inflammation
Prevents restorative materials from being placed too close to or beneath the gum line, which can otherwise cause chronic irritation or inflammation.
5. Enhances long-term cosmetic dental outcomes
Supports natural-looking and durable results for treatments such as veneers or orthodontics, where precise gum contours are essential.
6. Performed by specialist periodontists
Ensures accuracy, optimal healing, and minimized risk of complications through expert care.
Gum Contouring Surgery (Gingivoplasty)
Gingivoplasty, or gum contouring surgery, is a procedure that reshapes the gum tissue to create a more aesthetic and well-balanced gum line. It is commonly performed for patients with a gummy smile, uneven gum margins, or excessive gum coverage. The procedure may be carried out using laser technology or surgical instruments for greater precision, resulting in an improved smile, easier oral hygiene, and better preparation for additional dental treatments such as veneers or dental crowns. For safety and optimal outcomes, this procedure should be performed by a specialist dentist.
Who Should Consider Gum Contouring?
1.Individuals who show excessive gum display when smiling (gummy smile)
2.Patients with uneven or irregular gum lines
3.Those with thick gum tissue or gums covering part of the teeth
4.Patients preparing for dental crowns or veneers
5.Individuals with chronic gum inflammation or deep periodontal pockets
6.Correcting Excessive Gum Overgrowth (Gingival Hyperplasia) Some patients experience significantly thickened or overgrown gum tissue that covers too much of the tooth surface. This condition often makes proper cleaning impossible, leading to persistent gum inflammation (Gingivitis) and infection.
This overgrowth can be caused by various factors, including the use of certain medications, such as Phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control. Functional Crown Lengthening or Gingivectomy can effectively remove the excess tissue, restoring both the health and the natural appearance of your smile while making daily oral hygiene much easier to maintain.
Benefits of Gum Contouring Surgery
1. Creates a balanced and attractive gum line Enhances smile confidence and allows teeth to appear naturally longer and more proportionate.
2. Reduces plaque and tartar accumulation Improves access for daily oral hygiene, lowering the risk of gum disease.
3. เProvides a foundation for other dental treatments Ideal preparation for crowns, veneers, or comprehensive smile rehabilitation.
4. Boosts confidence and social presence Positively impacts personal image, professionalism, and daily interactions.
5. Supports long-term oral health Helps prevent complications related to chronic gum disease and alveolar bone loss.
Tooth Splinting
Tooth splinting is a dental treatment used to stabilize loose teeth by joining them to adjacent teeth, creating additional support and reducing excessive movement. This procedure is commonly recommended for teeth loosened due to periodontal (gum) disease, trauma, or changes in bite alignment. Tooth splinting helps improve comfort during chewing and speaking, while preserving natural teeth for as long as possible. For optimal safety and outcomes, it should be performed by a dental specialist, often in conjunction with periodontal treatment.
How is Tooth Splinting Performed?
Generally, tooth splinting is a painless, non-surgical procedure. Your dentist will use a small, highly flexible wire or a specialized Fiber Ribbon to bridge the loose teeth together. This bridge is then secured to the back of the teeth using a natural-looking Composite Resin (tooth-colored filling material).
This method is aesthetically pleasing and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth without interfering with your daily life. It allows you to chew comfortably while fulfilling its most important purpose: preserving your natural teeth and smiling for as long as possible.
Step-by-Step Procedure
To give you a clearer understanding of the process, here are the key steps involved:
- Tooth Surface Preparation: The teeth to be splinted are thoroughly cleaned and prepared to ensure a strong bond.
- Placement of the Splint: The flexible wire or fiber ribbon is precisely positioned, usually on the backside of the teeth (lingual side) for a discrete and aesthetic look.
- Bonding: The dentist applies tooth-colored composite resin to secure the splint in place and uses a specialized curing light to harden the material.
- Finishing & Polishing: The material is carefully smoothed and polished to ensure maximum comfort, preventing any irritation to your tongue or gums.
Who Should Consider Tooth Splinting?
1. Patients with loose teeth caused by periodontal disease
2. Individuals who have experienced dental trauma or injury
3. Patients with tilted or drifting teeth due to adjacent tooth loss
4. Those experiencing pain or difficulty chewing because of tooth mobility
5. Patients who wish to extend the lifespan of their natural teeth before considering extraction
Benefits of Tooth Splinting
1. Reduces tooth mobility Stabilizes loose teeth, improves firmness, and minimizes impact forces during chewing.
2. Relieves discomfort and pain Enhances comfort, especially while speaking or eating.
3. Preserves natural teeth longer Helps delay or avoid premature tooth extraction.
4. Supports comprehensive periodontal treatment Complements treatments such as root planing or periodontal surgery for holistic gum care.
5. Improves bite force distribution Balances occlusal forces by evenly distributing pressure across neighboring teeth, reducing overload on a single tooth.
Special Care Instructions for Splinted Teeth
Splinting helps stabilize loose teeth, but the appliance can also trap plaque and food debris. Proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent gum disease and decay around the splinted area.
1. Specialized Flossing
- Super Floss: Use a floss threader or specialized floss (Super Floss) with a stiff end to navigate under the splinting wire or material.
- Interdental Brushes: Use an appropriately sized interdental brush to clean the spaces between the teeth near the gumline.
2. Precision Brushing
- Pay extra attention to the gumline and the areas where the splinting material meets the tooth surface.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating healing gum tissues.
3. Dietary & Maintenance Tips
- Avoid Excessive Force: Do not use the splinted teeth to bite into hard foods (like apples or ice) or sticky candies, as this can de-bond or break the splint.
- Routine Monitoring: Attend all follow-up appointments so your dentist can ensure the splint remains secure and functional.
Post-Treatment Care for Gum Disease at Siam Dental Clinic
1. Practice gentle oral hygiene Use a soft bristled toothbrush and brush gently around the gum line especially in treated areas to prevent irritation and support healing.
Personalized Oral Hygiene Tools for Gum Health
In certain cases, our dentists will recommend specialized cleaning tools tailored specifically for patients with periodontal (gum) disease. These tools are selected to match your unique dental needs, ensuring effective maintenance and long-term prevention. To help you preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible, we may recommend:
- Ultra-Soft Toothbrushes: Specifically designed to be gentle on sensitive or inflamed gums.
- Dental Floss & Super Floss: Ideal for cleaning under splints, bridges, or around tight spaces.
- Interdental Brushes (Proxabrush): For effective plaque removal between teeth where standard brushes cannot reach.
- Single-Tuft Brushes: Perfect for precision cleaning in hard-to-reach areas or around specific problem spots.
- Small-Head / 2-3 Row Brushes: Designed for better access and maneuverability in localized areas.
By using the right tools for your specific condition, you can achieve the most effective oral care and protect your smile for the future.
Dental Cleaning Tools Comparison Table
2. Rinse as directed by your dentist Use saltwater or an antiseptic mouth rinse as recommended to help reduce inflammation and control oral bacteria.
3. Avoid hard, spicy, or very hot foods during the initial healing period Particularly after root planing or gum surgery, choose soft foods at a moderate temperature to minimize discomfort and promote recovery.
4. Eliminate risk factors such as smoking Smoking interferes with gum healing and significantly increases the risk of recurrent periodontal disease.
5. Attend follow up appointments as scheduled Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor healing and gum health. Early detection of any recurrence ensures timely and effective treatment.
Gum Disease Treatment at Siam Dental Clinic
At Siam Dental Clinic, we believe that early and proper gum care is the foundation of long-term oral health. Gum disease not only causes swollen gums, bleeding, and tooth sensitivity, but is also the leading cause of tooth mobility and tooth loss over time.
Our treatments are provided by specialist periodontists, supported by advanced technology and a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. This ensures that every step of your gum disease treatment is safe, thorough, and tailored to your individual needs, giving you confidence in both your oral health and your smile.
A Heartfelt Thank You to All Our Patients
Reviews on Google
Sawatruja Phongkiatchai
The doctor gave good advice. Clean clinic overview The personnel are friendly. I would like to recommend many friends to use the services at Siam Dental Clinic. Thank you.
Patcharapa Sakulsuwirot
My 2 children have been going to the doctor here since their baby teeth began. They are now 10 years old and 7 years old. The doctor is very kind and cute, making sure the children are not afraid of dentistry. The officers were all lovely and kind.
Pattrawan Muongrattana
The doctor's aunt is cute, kind, and gives very good advice. For my first time having dentistry, I wasn't afraid at all. The nurses are also cute. Explain to your younger sibling first so that he or she won't be afraid. The place is clean and spacious. There are toys to play with while waiting.
Natcheera V.
The doctors and staff are all very nice. They communicate with my daughter in a gentle way and understand children, so much so that my daughter likes to come to the dentist.
Thank you very much ^^
Milo T.
Have been coming here for ten years now. The doctor is very skilled. Wisdom tooth extraction is good, tartar scaling, etc. are also good. The staff are friendly and attentive. I've been to other places that are cheaper and closer to home. In conclusion, we have to come back here as usual because other places don't work as well.
Matt
The only clinic I go to. Excellent service. Off road parking! Come see for yourself!
Naowarat Phasut
Good location, clean, convenient parking. The doctor takes excellent care of our dental health and has trusted the whole family for more than 10 years.
nott vorarit
The doctor has high expertise. Gives very good advice. I've had the doctor take care of me for many years.