Gum treatment in Palakollu
Bleeding gums are not normal, and gum disease is the commonest reason adults in India lose teeth that were otherwise healthy.
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed, and can progress to periodontitis, where the bone holding the teeth is destroyed and teeth become loose. Gingivitis is fully reversible with proper cleaning. Periodontitis is not reversible, but it can be stopped. At Care Dental Experts in Palakollu we treat it with scaling, root planing and, where useful, laser disinfection of the pockets.
Warning signs, in order of seriousness
Bleeding when brushing
The earliest sign. It is a signal of inflammation, not of brushing too hard. Almost always reversible at this stage.
Persistent bad breath and a bad taste
Bacteria in the gum pockets. A mouthwash masks the smell without touching the cause.
Gums pulling away, teeth looking longer
Recession. The exposed root surface is sensitive and decays more easily.
Gaps opening between the teeth
Bone loss is now visible. This does not reverse.
Teeth feeling loose or drifting
Advanced periodontitis. Treatment can stabilise it, but lost bone does not grow back on its own.
Pus or gum abscess
Needs treatment now, not at your convenience.
The scaling myth, addressed directly
It does not. Hardened calculus acts like cement packed around teeth that have already lost bone support. When it is removed, you feel the looseness that was there all along and you see the gaps the deposits were filling. The scaling revealed the damage; it did not cause it. Leaving calculus in place to keep teeth feeling tight is like leaving rust on a bolt to hold it together.
Some sensitivity for a week or two afterwards is common and settles.
How we treat it
| Stage | Treatment | Visits | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Scaling, polishing, brushing technique | 1 | Fully reversible |
| Early periodontitis | Deep scaling and root planing | 1 to 2 | Can be halted |
| Moderate periodontitis | Root planing by quadrant, laser support, review | 2 to 4 | Halted; bone does not return |
| Advanced periodontitis | Flap surgery, sometimes bone regeneration; some teeth may not be savable | Several | Guarded, depends on remaining bone |
| Maintenance, all stages | Professional cleaning every 3 to 6 months | Ongoing | Essential. This is where it is won or lost |
Local risk factors we see often
- Gutka, pan and khaini. Devastating for gums, and a direct risk factor for oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer. We screen for these at every check-up.
- Diabetes. The relationship runs both ways, uncontrolled diabetes worsens gum disease, and gum infection makes blood sugar harder to control. Treating the gums helps both.
- Smoking. Masks the bleeding that would have warned you, so disease is often found later and more advanced.
- Pregnancy. Hormonal changes exaggerate gum inflammation. Scaling during pregnancy is safe and worth doing.
Indicative cost
| Treatment | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Scaling and polishing (full mouth) | ₹ [confirm] |
| Deep scaling and root planing (per quadrant) | ₹ [confirm] |
| Laser-assisted pocket disinfection | ₹ [confirm] |
| Gum flap surgery (per quadrant) | ₹ [confirm] |
| Maintenance clean | ₹ [confirm] |
Honest limitations
- Lost bone does not grow back with scaling. Treatment stops further loss; it does not rewind.
- Results depend far more on your daily cleaning than on anything we do in the chair.
- Some severely affected teeth cannot be saved. We will tell you which, and plan the replacement.
- Gum disease recurs without maintenance visits. This is a long-term condition, not a one-off fix.
We are empanelled under the Employees Health Scheme (EHS) and the Working Journalists Health Scheme (WJHS). There is an Aarogya Mithra help desk inside our waiting room. Bring these:
- EHS / WJHS health card of the employee, pensioner or journalist
- Aadhaar of the patient
- Employee or pensioner ID, and proof of relationship for a dependent
Common questions
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Almost always because of plaque bacteria at the gum line causing inflammation. Healthy gums do not bleed. The instinct is to brush that area more gently, which makes it worse, the area needs cleaning more thoroughly, not less. If bleeding persists beyond two weeks of good brushing, come in.
Does scaling damage enamel?
No. An ultrasonic scaler removes calculus by vibration; it is not grinding your teeth away. Roughness afterwards is usually the tooth surface that was hidden under deposits, and polishing smooths it.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Every six months for most people. Every three to four months if you have had periodontitis, if you are diabetic, or if you smoke or use gutka.
Can loose teeth be saved?
Sometimes. It depends on how much bone remains. Treatment can stabilise mildly and moderately loose teeth, and splinting sometimes helps. Severely loose teeth with little supporting bone usually cannot be saved, and it is better to plan the replacement properly than to keep them a few more painful months.
Not sure which treatment you need?
Bring your X-rays if you have them, or just bring the tooth that is troubling you. A consultation and examination is the honest first step. We will tell you if you do not need treatment yet.
