Why see a periodontist?
Your gums and the bone around your teeth are the foundation of your smile. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults, and it often progresses quietly, without obvious pain. A periodontist is trained to diagnose gum disease early, treat it, and perform precise gum surgery that preserves natural teeth and improves the look of your smile.
Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh is a specialist in gum surgery and periodontics, so every patient at the clinic gets a specialist gum assessment before any cosmetic or implant treatment.
Signs of a gum problem
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste.
- Receding gums — teeth looking longer, with sensitivity near the gumline.
- Pus between the gums and teeth.
- Loose teeth or a change in how your teeth fit together.
Gingivitis vs. periodontitis
| Gingivitis | Periodontitis | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage | Early | Advanced |
| What's affected | Gums only | Gums, bone and ligaments supporting the tooth |
| Signs | Bleeding, redness, swelling | Pockets, recession, bone loss, loose teeth |
| Reversible? | Yes, with treatment and good care | Can be stopped and controlled; lost bone needs specific treatment |
Gum treatments at the clinic
1. Scaling and cleaning
The first step for gingivitis: removing tartar and plaque above the gumline, polishing, and personalised home-care advice.
2. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
For periodontitis, the deep gum pockets are cleaned and the root surfaces smoothed under local anaesthesia, helping the gums reattach and the pockets shrink.
3. Gum surgery
When pockets are deep or bone has been lost, precise gum surgery may be needed to clean the area fully and, in some cases, regenerate lost bone and tissue.
4. Gum recession treatment
Recession exposes the roots, causing sensitivity and an uneven look. In many cases the roots can be covered with gum grafting to protect the teeth and restore aesthetics.
5. Gummy smile and gum contouring
If too much gum shows when you smile, or the gumline is uneven, it can be reshaped so teeth look longer and more balanced — a perfect complement to cosmetic dentistry and zirconia and veneers.
6. Preparing gums and bone for implants
Successful dental implants depend on healthy gums and enough bone, so we treat the gums first and perform bone grafting when needed.
How to keep your gums healthy
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush, angled gently toward the gumline.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
- Stop smoking — it is one of the strongest risk factors for gum disease and hides its warning signs.
- See us for a check-up and cleaning every 3–6 months, depending on your gum health.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for gums to bleed when brushing?
No. Repeated bleeding is a common sign of gingivitis. In its early stage it is easily treated with a professional cleaning and better daily care, so don't ignore it.
Does deep cleaning hurt?
Deep cleaning is done under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during treatment. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is normal.
Can receding gums grow back?
Receded gums don't grow back on their own, but in many cases exposed roots can be covered with gum grafting, while the cause is treated to prevent further recession.
Can loose teeth caused by gum disease be saved?
Often yes, if treatment starts before too much bone is lost. An examination and X-rays show whether the tooth can be kept.