Overview
Gum disease treatment focuses on removing the bacteria and hardened deposits that inflame the gums, then keeping them healthy with targeted home care and regular maintenance. Early gum disease (gingivitis) causes red, bleeding gums. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) damages the bone and ligaments that hold teeth in, which can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss if untreated.
- Quick answer: Most people start with a comprehensive gum assessment, professional cleaning and tailored home care. If deeper pockets are found, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is usually recommended, followed by maintenance every 3–6 months.
- If you have swelling, pus, fever or severe pain, seek urgent care to rule out infection.
Main treatment pathways
The best approach depends on your diagnosis, risk factors, goals and budget. Common pathways include:
- Professional cleaning and gum charting — removal of plaque and calculus above the gum line, with measurement of pocket depths and bleeding points to map disease.
- Home care upgrades — targeted brushing technique, interdental brushes or floss, and short-term antimicrobial rinses if advised.
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) — meticulous cleaning below the gum line, often completed over one to two appointments with local anaesthetic.
- Adjuncts — local antibiotics, laser assistance, or rinses when indicated.
- Periodontal surgery — flap surgery, regenerative procedures or gum grafts for recession in selected cases.
- Maintenance and review — re‑evaluation 6–8 weeks after deep cleaning and ongoing 3–6 month maintenance visits to control recurrence.
- Replacement planning — if teeth are unsalvageable, discuss timing of extraction and options such as implants, bridges or dentures.
What changes the treatment plan
- Diagnosis and severity — gingivitis vs. localised or generalised periodontitis, pocket depths, bleeding and bone levels on X‑rays.
- Infection and symptoms — swelling, abscess, mobility or pain can change urgency and sequence of care.
- Risk factors — smoking, diabetes, dry mouth, medications and oral hygiene habits affect outcomes.
- Tooth-by-tooth prognosis — remaining bone support and mobility guide whether to save or replace a tooth.
- Budget and timing — treatment can be staged to spread costs while aiming for stability.
- Preference — conservative vs. definitive options and comfort with surgical steps.
Treatment options compared
Non-surgical (first line)
- Professional clean (scale & polish): Ideal for gingivitis and maintenance. Improves bleeding and breath.
- Deep cleaning (scaling & root planing, SRP): Gold standard for periodontitis. Reduces pocket depths and bleeding. Often done with local anaesthetic.
- Adjunctive antimicrobials: Short courses of chlorhexidine or site-specific antibiotics where indicated.
Surgical (when needed)
- Flap surgery: Access for thorough debridement and reshaping to reduce pocketing.
- Regenerative procedures: Grafts or biomaterials in selected defects to regain support.
- Gum grafting: For recession, root sensitivity or aesthetics.
Unsure which path fits you? Compare your options with an advisor
Costs in Australia
Fees vary by clinic, city and complexity. As a general guide:
- Comprehensive exam + gum charting + X‑rays + standard clean: $180–$350
- Deep cleaning (SRP): $200–$450 per quadrant ($800–$1,800 for a full mouth over 1–2 visits)
- Re‑evaluation / maintenance visit (3–6 months): $120–$250
- Local anaesthetic or desensitising: Often included; itemised at some clinics
- Periodontal surgery (per quadrant): $800–$2,500+ depending on procedure
- Gum graft (per tooth/area): $600–$1,500+
Private health extras may cover part of exams, X‑rays, cleaning and periodontal treatment depending on limits and waiting periods. Eligible children may access the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and some people may qualify for public dental care or university clinics.
What to expect: before, during and after
- Before: Assessment includes pocket measurements and X‑rays (bitewings or OPG). You’ll discuss goals, risks, costs and a staged plan.
- During: Deep cleaning is done with local anaesthetic. Sessions are commonly 60–90 minutes and may be split by left/right or upper/lower quadrants.
- After: Mild tenderness and sensitivity are common for a few days. Soft foods and salt-water rinses can help. Expect a review at 6–8 weeks and maintenance every 3–6 months.
- Anxiety or low pain tolerance: Topical anaesthetic, slow techniques and, where available, sedation can make treatment more comfortable. See dental anxiety.
When gum disease needs urgent care
Seek urgent help if you notice any of the following:
- Facial swelling, pus, fever or a bad taste that won’t go away
- Increasing pain, difficulty swallowing or tightness around the throat
- Loose teeth with pain or rapidly worsening mobility
If a single tooth has severe pain from infection, a root canal or extraction may be discussed alongside gum treatment.
Home care that makes treatment work
- Brush twice daily with a soft brush using gentle circular motions along the gumline.
- Use interdental brushes or floss daily. Water flossers can help in deeper areas.
- Avoid smoking and manage diabetes to improve healing.
- Short-term antimicrobial rinses only as directed by your dentist.
- Keep maintenance visits every 3–6 months to stay stable.
Learn more: gum disease symptoms, causes and treatment options.
Questions worth asking at an appointment
- What is my diagnosis and how severe is it?
- Is this urgent or safe to stage over time?
- What are my options and which do you recommend first?
- What are the immediate and total estimated costs?
- What results should I expect, and how will we measure success?
- When is my first maintenance visit due?
Confidential help
If you need help understanding the next step, comparing options or finding a clinic that suits your situation, you can send a confidential enquiry below.
This site is not a dental clinic. It is an information and referral platform designed to connect people with relevant dental help.