Gum Treatment
- Do your gums bleed easily?
- Have you noticed any gum recession or tooth sensitivity?
- Do you feel that you have bad breath?
- Do you feel that your teeth are "loose"?
These seemingly minor symptoms could be early warning signs of a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding gum disease and seeking appropriate treatment from a qualified gum specialist can make the difference between maintaining your natural teeth for life and facing significant tooth loss
Understanding Gum Disease: The Silent Threat to Your Oral Health
A painless condition that can quietly damage your gums, teeth, and overall oral health
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects up to 85% of the population in Singapore. There are different stages of gum disease, and it is one of the most common causes of teeth being lost. This progressive condition begins as a seemingly harmless infection but can evolve into a serious threat to both oral and overall health.
There is also scientific research to suggest that having an unhealthy mouth leads to systemic health risks, such as heart disease, diabetes, pre-term labour, auto-immune diseases and inflammatory diseases. This means that gum disease does not only affect the mouth, but it could adversely affect one's long-term general health. The connection between oral health and body wellness has been extensively documented, making periodontal care an essential component of comprehensive healthcare.
The progression of gum disease follows a predictable pattern, beginning with gingivitis and potentially advancing to periodontitis. In its earliest stage, the condition manifests as inflammation of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, this inflammation can spread deeper into the supporting structures, including the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. As the disease advances, the risk of tooth loss increases significantly, often requiring complex interventions to restore function and aesthetics.
... read more read lessRecognizing the Warning Signs: Early Detection Saves Teeth
Spotting symptoms early can prevent tooth loss and costly treatments
Early Symptoms
Bleeding, redness, bad breath
Progressive Damage
Receding gums, loose teeth
Severe Indicators
Pus, pain, shifting bite
What are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease progresses painlessly. This means that you may not realise that there is an infection actually going on in the gums and maybe surrounding bone. The absence of pain often leads patients to delay seeking treatment, allowing the condition to advance to more severe stages where tooth loss becomes inevitable.One of the earliest signs of gum disease is bleeding gums. Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush and floss. There could also be bad breath (halitosis), caused by the bacteria harbored in the plaque and tartar deposits on the affected teeth. One common visual sign is redness of the gums. Unhealthy gums can look irregular and "beefy" red, contrasting sharply with the pale pink appearance of healthy gum tissue.
If the above early signs are ignored, the disease could progress to a more severe state where the teeth become longer in height (due to receding gums), become shaky or even frank pus discharge. Deep pockets in the gums progressively develop as the jaw bone gets further and further resorbed. These deep pockets harbour the harmful bacteria which cause a chronic infection in your mouth. These bacteria also can penetrate into the blood stream and cause other systemic infections.
Additional warning signs include persistent metallic taste, gum recession exposing tooth roots, changes in bite alignment, and the formation of spaces between teeth. As tooth loss becomes more likely, patients may notice increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, difficulty chewing certain foods, and a general feeling of looseness in their teeth. These advanced symptoms indicate that immediate intervention from a qualified periodontist is essential to prevent further deterioration.
... read more read lessProfessional Gum Treatment: Restoring Health and Function
Effective treatments to stop progression and revive your oral health
The Pink Curtain for your Pearlie Whites !
Specialist gum treatment and surgery to restore oral health, comfort and aesthetics represents the cornerstone of modern periodontal care. The relationship between healthy gums and overall dental function cannot be overstated, as the gums serve as the foundation for all other dental structures.
Treatment of Gum Disease
Our fully trained American Board certified Periodontist will comprehensively assess all the teeth present and document a baseline condition of the STAGE and GRADE of the gum disease. The assessment will include high-definition X-rays and scans that provide detailed images of bone levels, pocket depths, and the extent of tissue damage.
After the assessment, a customized treatment plan will be formulated based on the severity of the disease. The plan will include:
Initial Periodontal Treatment – Deep Cleanings and Full Mouth Disinfection
The first phase involves thorough removal of bacterial deposits and toxins from above and below the gum line. This non-surgical approach often includes scaling and root planing, where specialized instruments are used to smooth root surfaces and eliminate bacterial biofilms.
Deep Cleaning KickstartAssessment of response to initial treatment
Following the initial intervention, the dental clinic will monitor healing progress and tissue response. This evaluation period typically lasts 4-6 weeks, allowing sufficient time for inflammation to subside and gum health to improve.
Healing Progress CheckSecond Stage Treatment – Gum Surgery and Gum Grafts
When non-surgical methods prove insufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary. Gum surgery can involve pocket reduction procedures, regenerative techniques, or soft tissue management to restore proper gum architecture.
Surgical Precision StepFurther Assessment of Outcomes
Continuous monitoring ensures that treatment objectives are being met and that the patient is responding appropriately to interventions. This phase is crucial for determining whether additional procedures are needed.
Outcome Review PhaseComplex Reconstruction – Bone Grafts (Augmentation) and Dental Implants
In cases where tooth loss has occurred or is imminent, reconstructive procedures may be necessary. Bone grafting can restore lost support structures, while dental implants can replace missing teeth with permanent, natural-looking solutions.
Rebuild & RestoreLong-term Periodic Follow-up
Maintaining periodontal health requires ongoing professional care and monitoring. Regular maintenance appointments help prevent disease recurrence and ensure long-term stability.
There are many risk factors for gum disease. After resolution of the disease, it is crucial that you follow-up periodically with our Periodontist, to ensure that your periodontal condition remains stable.
Ongoing Care CycleAdvanced Periodontal Procedures: Restoring Function and Aesthetics
Advance techniques by our dentist to make you feel great
Gum Grafting
Restores receded gums and protects teeth
Gum Contouring
Reshapes uneven gums for better aesthetics
Modern Techniques
Advanced tools ensure comfort and precision
Computer-guided implant surgery represents one of the most significant advances in implant dentistry, allowing for precise pre-surgical planning and accurate implant placement. This technology uses three-dimensional imaging data to create surgical guides that direct implant placement with unprecedented accuracy.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques have reduced the trauma associated with implant placement, leading to faster healing times and reduced post-operative discomfort. These techniques often allow for implant placement through small incisions that heal quickly and cause minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
Immediate implant placement in extraction sites can significantly reduce treatment time and eliminate the need for additional surgical procedures. This technique allows for implant placement at the time of tooth extraction, potentially reducing the total treatment time and number of appointments required.
Bone grafting procedures have become more sophisticated and predictable, allowing for implant placement in sites that previously would have been considered unsuitable. Advanced grafting materials and techniques can rebuild lost bone structure and create ideal conditions for implant placement.
Sedation options are available for patients who experience anxiety about surgical procedures or who prefer to be more relaxed during treatment. Various levels of sedation can be provided to ensure patient comfort while maintaining safety throughout the procedure.
The integration of digital technology into implant dentistry has improved treatment planning, surgical precision, and prosthetic outcomes. Digital impressions, computer-aided design, and advanced manufacturing techniques have made implant treatment more efficient and predictable than ever before.
... read more read lessNot sure which option is right for you?
The Role of the Periodontist: Specialized Expertise for Complex Cases
Our experts always ready to serve you the best
The services provided by a qualified periodontist extend far beyond basic gum disease treatment. These specialists are trained in advanced surgical techniques, tissue regeneration procedures, and the placement of dental implants. Their expertise is particularly valuable when dealing with severe tooth loss cases or complex reconstructive needs.
Patient education forms a crucial component of periodontal care, as long-term success depends heavily on proper home care and lifestyle modifications. A skilled periodontist will work closely with each patient to develop individualized maintenance protocols that support healing and prevent disease recurrence.
... read more read lessPrevention and Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment
Prevention always better than loosing your teeth
Risk factor modification plays an essential role in preventing disease recurrence and maintaining optimal gum health. Factors such as smoking, diabetes, stress, and certain medications can significantly impact periodontal healing and long-term stability. Working with patients to address these issues improves treatment success rates and reduces the likelihood of future complications.
The relationship between periodontal health and overall body wellness continues to be an active area of research. Evidence suggests that maintaining healthy gums may contribute to better management of systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This connection underscores the importance of viewing periodontal care as an integral component of comprehensive healthcare.
... read more read lessTaking Action for Your Oral Health
Our dentures are designed to give you back your life’s simple pleasures.
Early Intervention
Prompt treatment reduces damage and improves long-term outcomes
Specialist Follow-Up
Regular visits help maintain stability after treatment success
Lifelong Benefits
Protect your natural teeth and overall health for your life
Early intervention remains the key to successful treatment outcomes and the prevention of tooth loss. Patients who recognize warning signs and seek prompt professional care typically require less extensive treatment and experience better long-term results. The combination of advanced treatment techniques, specialized expertise, and comprehensive patient care creates the optimal environment for achieving and maintaining periodontal health.
Taking action today to address periodontal concerns can prevent years of complications and preserve your natural smile for life. Whether you're experiencing early warning signs or require complex reconstructive care, working with a qualified periodontist ensures that you receive the highest standard of treatment available. Your oral health is an investment in your overall well-being, and professional periodontal care represents one of the most important steps you can take to protect that investment.
... read more read lessOur Dentists
Dr. Elvin Leong
Dental Specialist in
Prosthodontics
BDS (Singapore),
MDS (Prosthodontics)(Singapore),
MRDRCS (Prosthodontics)(Edinburgh, UK),
FRACDS (Australia),
FAMS (Prosthodontics)
Dr. Dephne Leong
Dental Specialist in
Endodontics
BDS (Singapore),
MSc (Oral Biology)
(Pennsylvania, USA),
Cert. Endodontics (Pennsylvania, USA),Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics, Fellow,
Royal College of Dentists (Canada), FAMS (Endodontics)
Dr. Daylene Leong
Dental Specialist in
Periodontics
BDS (Singapore),
MS (Periodontics)(Michigan, USA),
Cert. Periodontology (Michigan, USA), Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology, Diplomate, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, FAMS (Periodontics)
