Gum Disease Treatment in Haifa
Bleeding on brushing, red swollen gums, bad breath or teeth that look "longer" than they used to – these are signs of gum disease, the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news: in its early stages it is fully reversible, and even at advanced stages it can be stopped. At Shuster Dent in Haifa gum treatment begins with accurate diagnosis and proceeds in stages – from deep cleaning and root planing to a maintenance plan that keeps it from returning.
How gum disease develops
It all starts with bacterial plaque left along the gum line. The gums respond with inflammation – redness, swelling and bleeding – which at this stage does not yet damage the structure holding the tooth. This is gingivitis, and it disappears completely once plaque and tartar are removed and home cleaning improves.
When the inflammation persists, the attachment between gum and tooth breaks down and a "pocket" forms – a space between tooth and gum where bacteria multiply undisturbed. The body, trying to fight the infection, breaks down the bone around the root. This is periodontitis: usually a silent process, without pain, often discovered only once a tooth is already loose.
Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, genetics, stress, hormonal changes and certain medications speed the process up. That is why two people with the same amount of tartar can develop disease of entirely different severity.
How it is treated
The first step is diagnosis: measuring pocket depth at six points around every tooth, checking for bleeding, mobility and recession, and X-rays showing the bone level. The result is a precise map of the gums, from which the treatment plan is built and against which progress is later compared.
The core treatment is deep cleaning and root planing: under local anaesthesia the tartar and bacteria are removed from the depth of the pockets and the root surface is smoothed, so that the gum can re-attach to the tooth. The mouth is divided into sections treated at separate visits. In some cases local or systemic antibiotics are added.
About six to eight weeks later, everything is measured again. In most cases the pockets have shrunk and the bleeding has stopped, and maintenance begins. Deep pockets that remain may need re-treatment or periodontal surgery, in which case we refer to a periodontist in full coordination.
Maintenance – the stage that decides the outcome
Periodontitis is not cured in one visit; it is managed. After active treatment a maintenance interval is set – usually a hygienist cleaning every three to four months – at which the gums are measured, new deposits removed and the coaching adjusted. This is the interval studies show prevents the disease from returning.
At home: brushing twice a day, daily cleaning between the teeth – in pockets and wider gaps interdental brushes work better than floss – and sometimes a dedicated toothpaste or rinse for a limited period. Stopping smoking is the single step that improves the outlook most.
People who manage their gum disease properly keep their teeth for many years. Those who neglect it eventually face extractions and extensive restoration. The difference lies mainly in routine maintenance.
The stages of treatment
Diagnosis and gum charting
Pocket, bleeding and mobility measurement, and X-rays to assess the bone – the full picture before starting.
Hygiene coaching
Adapting your brushing technique and interdental aids to the state of your gums.
Deep cleaning and root planing
Removal of tartar and bacteria from the depth of the pockets under local anaesthesia, in sections, at separate visits.
Re-evaluation
Re-measurement after six to eight weeks and a decision on further treatment or a move to maintenance.
Periodic maintenance
Cleaning and measurement with the hygienist every three to four months, to keep the disease halted.
Treatment Benefits
- Accurate diagnosis: pocket measurement, X-rays and bone assessment
- Deep cleaning and root planing under local anaesthesia – without pain
- Halting the inflammation and preserving the teeth and bone
- Less bleeding, bad breath and sensitivity
- A personal maintenance plan with the hygienist
The information on this page is general and is not medical advice or a substitute for examination. A suitable treatment plan is determined only after a clinical examination and imaging.
Gum Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have gum disease?
The early signs are bleeding when brushing or flossing, red swollen gums and bad breath. At a more advanced stage the gums recede, the teeth look longer, sensitivity appears and sometimes looseness. Healthy gums do not bleed – bleeding is always a reason to be examined.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the soft tissue only, and it is fully reversible with cleaning and good hygiene. Periodontitis is the stage at which the inflammation has already damaged the bone and fibres holding the tooth. The bone loss cannot be reversed, but its progression can be stopped.
Does gum treatment hurt?
Root planing is done under local anaesthesia and is not painful. Afterwards there may be two or three days of sensitivity to cold and tender gums, which pass. As the inflammation settles, sensitivity on brushing decreases too.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis – yes, completely. Periodontitis is a chronic condition: it can be halted and kept stable for many years, but it needs ongoing maintenance – more frequent cleanings and meticulous home hygiene – because without maintenance it tends to return.
How many visits are needed?
For deep cleaning the mouth is usually divided into two to four sections, treated at separate visits, so that each area is treated thoroughly under anaesthesia. About six to eight weeks later the pockets are measured again to decide whether further treatment is needed or to move to the maintenance phase.
Is gum disease linked to general health?
Yes. Many studies have found links between periodontitis and diabetes (in both directions), cardiovascular disease and pregnancy complications. Treating the gums improves blood-sugar control in people with diabetes, so it is especially important to tell us about medical conditions and medication.
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