First Step
Consultation
The dentist checks your concern and confirms whether this treatment is suitable before care begins.
Gum & Periodontal Care
Book Gum Disease Treatment at Smile On Dental
Book Gum Disease Treatment with Smile On Dental. Start with an assessment, understand your options, and get clear next steps before treatment begins.
Quick Summary
What to know about Gum Disease Treatment.
Best For
Patients with bleeding, swollen, or tender gums
Suitability depends on oral health, symptoms, goals, and clinical findings.
Planning
Personalised
Timing, visits, cost factors, and aftercare are explained after the assessment.
Branch Access
Pretoria & Polokwane
Use the location section to choose the branch that is easiest for you to attend consistently.
Overview
About Gum Disease Treatment
Treatment Introduction
Stabilise the foundation.
Gum disease treatment starts with a careful assessment of gum health, oral hygiene, plaque build-up, and symptoms such as bleeding or swelling. The goal is to support healthier gums and reduce ongoing irritation.
Decision Support
A consultation comes before the treatment decision.
Smile On Dental uses the visit to understand your symptoms, goals, oral health, and expectations before recommending a suitable treatment plan.
Visual Guide
Educational visuals for Gum Disease Treatment.
Treatment Guide
Gum Disease Treatment: options, process, benefits, and care.
01
Why gum disease treatment matters
Gum disease treatment focuses on periodontal assessment, controlling inflammation, reducing bacterial build-up, and protecting the support around teeth.
Patients may notice bleeding gums, bad breath, swelling, tenderness, gum recession, loose teeth, or spaces that seem to be changing. Others have gum disease without pain, which is why bleeding during brushing or findings at a routine visit should not be ignored.
At Smile On Dental, gum care starts with assessment rather than assumptions. The dentist or oral health professional checks gum health, plaque and tartar levels, pocket depths where indicated, tooth mobility, bite factors, and any medical or lifestyle factors that may affect healing.
Reasons to book
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing.
- Persistent bad breath or swollen gums.
- Gum recession, loose teeth, or changing spaces.
- A previous warning that gum support needs monitoring.
02
Assessment and diagnosis
Gum disease assessment helps identify whether the problem is mild gingivitis, periodontitis risk, or deeper support loss.
The dentist may examine the gums, measure pockets, check bleeding points, review plaque and tartar deposits, assess tooth mobility, and consider X-rays to understand bone support. This helps determine whether cleaning advice alone is enough or whether more structured periodontal treatment or referral should be discussed.
The assessment also looks for risk factors such as smoking, diabetes control, dry mouth, crowded teeth, old restorations that trap plaque, and inconsistent home cleaning. These factors do not replace diagnosis, but they can affect how easily gum inflammation settles and how often maintenance is needed.
What may be checked
- Bleeding, pocket depths, and gum inflammation.
- Plaque, tartar, and hard-to-clean areas.
- Tooth mobility and bone support where relevant.
- Risk factors that affect gum stability.
03
Treatment process
Treatment usually combines professional cleaning with a home routine that targets the areas causing inflammation.
For early gum inflammation, treatment may include scaling, polishing, brushing technique, interdental cleaning advice, and review. When deeper pockets or more advanced gum disease are present, the dentist may recommend more detailed gum treatment, staged appointments, closer monitoring, or referral depending on severity.
The process is not only about removing tartar once. Gum disease often needs maintenance because bacteria can return quickly if daily cleaning misses the same areas. The dentist should explain the sequence, the review point, and what improvement signs will be monitored.
Treatment may include
- Professional plaque and tartar removal.
- Interdental cleaning instruction.
- Staged periodontal or deep cleaning where clinically needed.
- Review visits to monitor gum response.
04
Comfort during gum treatment
Comfort planning depends on gum tenderness, pocket depth, sensitivity, and how much cleaning is needed.
Some gum treatment feels similar to a routine clean, while more detailed cleaning can feel tender because inflamed gums are sensitive. The dental team can work carefully around sore areas and explain what sensations are expected during and after the appointment.
Patients should tell the dentist if they have sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, dental anxiety, or areas that are painful to touch. That information helps the team pace the appointment and plan treatment in a way that remains clinically effective.
Comfort planning considers
- Gum tenderness and tooth sensitivity.
- How much tartar needs to be removed.
- Whether treatment should be staged.
- Patient anxiety, gag reflex, or painful areas.
05
Recovery and daily gum care
Gums may feel tender after cleaning, but daily care is what determines whether inflammation stays under control.
After gum treatment, the dentist may advise gentle but thorough brushing, interdental brushes or floss, specific cleaning angles, and review timing. Some bleeding can improve as gums become healthier, but worsening swelling, pain, or persistent concerns should be reported rather than ignored.
Long-term gum stability depends on consistent plaque control. Patients often need to clean between teeth every day, adjust technique around crowded or bridged areas, and attend maintenance visits at the interval recommended for their level of risk.
Aftercare priorities
- Brush the gumline carefully every day.
- Clean between teeth with the recommended tool.
- Attend maintenance visits as advised.
- Report worsening symptoms or loose teeth.
06
Benefits of gum disease treatment
Managing gum disease can improve comfort, reduce bleeding, and help protect the foundations of the teeth.
When gum inflammation is controlled, patients may notice less bleeding, fresher breath, reduced tenderness, and easier cleaning. In more advanced cases, treatment aims to stabilise the condition and reduce further damage, although lost support cannot always be fully restored.
Gum health also affects other dental care. Fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, orthodontics, and cosmetic treatments are easier to plan when inflammation is controlled. That is why gum treatment is often a foundation step before more visible dental work.
Potential benefits
- Less bleeding and gum tenderness.
- Better breath and easier daily cleaning.
- Support for keeping teeth stable for longer.
- Healthier foundations before restorative or cosmetic care.
07
Cost factors and choosing Smile On Dental
Gum treatment costs depend on severity, the number of areas involved, cleaning complexity, X-rays, and review needs.
A patient with mild gingivitis may need a different plan from someone with deeper pockets, bone loss, mobility, or repeated inflammation. Costs may also vary if periodontal charting, staged treatment, X-rays, or more frequent maintenance visits are recommended.
Smile On Dental can assess gum health and explain whether the focus is prevention, active gum treatment, maintenance, or referral. The takeaway is to act early: bleeding gums are common, but they are still a sign that the gums should be checked.
Takeaway
- Bleeding gums deserve assessment.
- Costs depend on severity and maintenance needs.
- Home care is part of the treatment, not an optional extra.
- Stable gums support future dental work.
Who It Helps
When this treatment may be suitable.
Patients with bleeding, swollen, or tender gums.
Patients with plaque or tartar build-up.
Patients advised to improve gum health before other dental treatment.
Treatment Journey
Your Gum Disease Treatment Journey
You arrive and explain what is happening
Often starts with assessment and may need a series of cleaning or review visits.
You may come in with bleeding gums, swelling, bad breath, loose teeth, gum recession, or heavy tartar build-up.
The dentist will ask when it started, what makes it better or worse, whether there is pain or sensitivity, and what you want the visit to help you solve.
What this first step covers
- Your main concern
- Symptoms or goals
- Medical and dental history
- What you hope to leave understanding
The dentist checks the cause
Before treatment starts, the dentist confirms what is actually going on.
The dentist checks gum inflammation, pocket depths where needed, plaque and tartar levels, bone support, risk factors, and daily cleaning habits.
The dentist may then explain options such as Professional cleaning, More focused periodontal cleaning, Maintenance visits and home-care changes, depending on what the examination shows.
What may be checked
- Teeth and gums
- Bite and comfort
- X-rays if needed
- Whether same-day care is suitable
Care starts or the next visit is planned
Some treatments are completed in one appointment, while others need a separate visit.
Treatment usually focuses on removing build-up and helping the gums heal. The depth of care depends on how advanced the gum problem is.
Second or staged visits are common when gum disease is more advanced or build-up is heavy.
What you should know before leaving
- What was done today
- Whether another visit is needed
- What to expect afterwards
- What symptoms should be reported
You leave with aftercare and prevention advice
The journey should end with you knowing how to protect the result.
Reviews are important because gum response determines the next step. The dentist checks bleeding, plaque control, pocketing, and whether further periodontal care is needed.
You are shown exactly where cleaning needs to improve and which tools fit the spaces around your teeth.
Your home-care plan
- Cleaning guidance
- Food or habit advice
- Review timing
- When to call the practice
Benefits
Why patients consider this treatment.
Supports healthier gums.
Can help address bleeding and inflammation.
Creates a stronger foundation for long-term oral health.
Suitability
What the dentist checks before recommending care.
Gum & Periodontal Care
Stabilise the foundation.
Gum treatment starts by understanding inflammation, plaque build-up, bleeding, pocketing, and home-care factors before a maintenance plan is recommended.
Suitability
Not every option suits every patient.
The dentist considers symptoms, oral health, bite, medical history, expectations, and maintenance before recommending gum disease treatment.
Costs
Fees depend on the final plan.
Cost discussions are most useful after diagnosis because materials, complexity, visit count, and follow-up needs vary from patient to patient.
Appointment
What to expect when you visit Smile On Dental.
Careful Assessment
Your dentist reviews your concern, oral health, and treatment goals before recommending next steps.
Clear Guidance
The team explains the likely process, timing, and care options in straightforward language.
Personal Plan
Your treatment plan is shaped around comfort, function, appearance, and long-term oral health.
Costs & Aftercare
Plan treatment with clear next steps.
Before You Book
Explain the concern
Mention whether you are booking for gum treatment, pain, appearance, function, prevention, or a second opinion.
At the Visit
Ask questions
Ask about diagnosis, options, number of visits, comfort, maintenance, and what could happen if treatment is delayed.
Aftercare
Follow guidance
Your dentist will explain home care, review visits, and any symptoms that should be reported after treatment.
FAQs
Questions about Gum Disease Treatment.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
The best starting point is a consultation. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, bite, symptoms, concerns, and smile goals before recommending a personalised treatment plan.
Can I book online?
Yes. Use the Book an Appointment button to open the booking site and choose a convenient appointment time. You can also request a callback if you would prefer the practice team to contact you first.
Can I request a callback instead?
Yes. You can request a callback if you prefer the practice team to contact you before booking. This can be helpful when you are unsure whether you need a routine visit, cosmetic consultation, orthodontic assessment, or urgent support.
Can I ask about treatment costs before starting?
Yes. Costs depend on the diagnosis, treatment complexity, materials, and number of visits required. Your dentist can explain the recommended next step before treatment begins.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your identification, medical history, current medication details, previous dental information if available, and any questions you want to discuss with the dentist.
What if I have pain, swelling, or sensitivity?
Book an assessment so the dentist can diagnose the cause before you choose a treatment. Pain or swelling may need urgent attention, X-rays, restorative care, or another clinical next step.
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Locations
Choose a Smile On Dental branch.
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Clinical Leadership
Care led by a verified dental profile.
Chief Dentist & Practice Director
Dr. Kholofelo Machaba-Selatole
Dr. Kholofelo Machaba-Selatole leads Smile On Dental & Aesthetic Studio with a warm, patient-focused approach to family, restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic care.
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Patient Feedback
What patients have shared.
60+ five-star patient reviews across Pretoria and Polokwane.
60+
Five-star reviews
5.0
Average rating
4
Practice locations
"Customer care is superb, very friendly front desk staff. I'm happy to have gained my confidence back."
Vusi Maluleke
Polokwane
"From reception right into the doctor's consultation room it was all smiley faces that welcomed us."
Amy Kwenaite
Polokwane
"The best dental service I have seen in Pretoria, cannot wait for my next appointment."
Makutuma Evans
Pretoria
"Customer care is superb, very friendly front desk staff. I'm happy to have gained my confidence back."
Vusi Maluleke
Polokwane
"From reception right into the doctor's consultation room it was all smiley faces that welcomed us."
Amy Kwenaite
Polokwane
"The best dental service I have seen in Pretoria, cannot wait for my next appointment."
Makutuma Evans
Pretoria
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