Periodontal Treatment in Stockholm
Bleeding gums or deep gum pockets? At Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Södermalm, we assess your gums, explain your treatment options and plan follow-up care. Periodontal treatment aims to control gum disease and protect the tissues supporting your teeth.
Quick overview – when periodontal treatment may be needed
- Deep gum pockets: when bacteria and tartar sit deeper than routine cleaning can reach.
- Bleeding and inflammation: when the gums continue to bleed despite improved home care.
- Bone loss on X-ray: when the supporting tissues around the tooth have been affected.
- Loose teeth or changes in position: when tooth support needs to be assessed and stabilised.
- Recurring periodontitis: when long-term maintenance and supportive periodontal care are needed.
In short: periodontal treatment is more than a cleaning appointment. It is a structured treatment and follow-up programme designed to control active inflammation and reduce the risk of further loss of tooth support.
What is periodontal treatment?
Periodontal treatment is professional care for periodontitis, a condition in which bacterial plaque and calculus have caused inflammation in the gums and the supporting tissues around the teeth. When the disease is active, gum pockets may become deeper and the attachment around the teeth can be damaged.
The treatment focuses on thoroughly cleaning tooth and root surfaces, particularly below the gum line where bacteria and calculus can remain. In many cases, professional treatment is combined with individual home-care instructions, follow-up and more frequent reviews with a dental hygienist or dentist.
If the problem is early-stage gum inflammation without loss of tooth support, a more preventive approach may sometimes be sufficient. Read more about inflamed gums. Established periodontitis, however, requires a more targeted periodontal treatment plan.
Gingivitis or periodontitis?
Overview of related conditions and the appropriate next step
Gingivitis / inflamed gums
What it meansGingivitis is inflammation of the gums without loss of the supporting tissues caused by periodontitis.
Relevant pageInflamed gums
Periodontitis / gum disease
What it meansInflammation has affected the supporting tissues around the teeth and may cause deeper pockets or bone loss.
Relevant pageGum disease and loose teeth
Periodontal treatment
What it meansTreatment to clean below the gum line, reduce inflammation and help keep the condition stable over time.
Relevant pageThis page
What results can you expect?
Treatment aims to control inflammation and reduce the risk of further damage to the tissues supporting your teeth. Support already lost usually does not grow back after routine cleaning. In selected cases, specialist surgery can restore some of the lost support. Daily cleaning and ongoing maintenance are important for keeping the condition stable.
When is periodontal treatment recommended?
Periodontal treatment is recommended when an examination shows active inflammation, deep gum pockets, calculus below the gum line or signs of loss of tooth support. It may also be needed if you have previously been treated for periodontitis and require supportive care to keep the disease under control.
Common signs that should prompt an assessment include:
- gums that bleed easily during brushing or interdental cleaning,
- recurring bad taste or bad breath,
- gums that have receded,
- teeth that feel loose or have changed position,
- tenderness when chewing or applying pressure,
- a previous diagnosis of deep gum pockets, bone loss or periodontitis.
If you have acute swelling, severe pain or a rapidly worsening condition, do not wait for a routine periodontal appointment. In that situation, emergency dental care may be the appropriate first step.
How periodontal treatment works
Examination, pocket measurements and risk assessment
Treatment begins with a careful assessment of the gums, pocket depths, bleeding, calculus, tooth mobility and any signs of bone loss. X-rays are used when clinically indicated. The aim is to distinguish superficial gum inflammation from established periodontitis.
Individual treatment plan
After the assessment, we explain which areas need treatment, where deeper cleaning is required and how follow-up should be organised. The plan is adapted to the extent of disease, sensitivity, general health, smoking or nicotine use, home care and previous periodontal history.
Cleaning below the gum line
We remove plaque and tartar from tooth and root surfaces, including inside deep gum pockets, using ultrasonic and hand instruments. This is also called periodontal debridement or deep cleaning. The aim is to reduce bacterial deposits and help the gums heal.
Local anaesthesia when needed
If the pockets are deep, the gums are very inflamed or the tooth roots are sensitive, local anaesthesia can be used to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. The objective is to clean thoroughly without unnecessary discomfort.
Personal home-care plan
Periodontal treatment works best when it is combined with effective daily care. You receive practical instructions for toothbrushing, interdental brushes, floss or other aids. We help you select the correct size and technique because poorly matched aids can leave plaque behind in difficult areas.
Re-evaluation and supportive periodontal care
After active treatment, follow-up is planned to reassess bleeding, pocket depths and healing. Many patients benefit from supportive periodontal care every three to six months, although the interval is always individualised according to risk and stability.
How many visits are needed?
The number of visits depends on how extensive the inflammation is, how deep the pockets are, how much calculus is present and how many areas need treatment. A limited problem may sometimes be managed in fewer appointments, while more widespread periodontitis usually requires several treatment visits followed by re-evaluation.
At the first assessment you receive an individual plan explaining what needs to be treated, why it is needed and how the result will be reviewed.
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
Most patients find periodontal treatment manageable. If the gums are very inflamed, the pockets are deep or the teeth are sensitive, some areas may feel sensitive during treatment. We therefore adapt the technique, pace and use of local anaesthesia to your needs. Temporary tenderness after treatment can occur but is usually short-lived.
If you have sensitive tooth roots or recurring tooth sensitivity, we can also advise on fluoride, gentle brushing and other supportive home-care measures.
After treatment: what is normal?
Your gums may feel sore and your teeth may be more sensitive for a while after cleaning. As swelling settles, the gums can recede, making teeth look longer and spaces between them more noticeable.
Follow the cleaning and sensitivity advice given at your appointment. Contact the clinic if discomfort worsens, does not settle or you develop new swelling. Seek prompt dental care for severe pain, significant swelling or a rapidly worsening condition.
What can you do at home to improve the outcome?
Home care is essential in periodontitis. Professional treatment removes bacteria and calculus that you cannot remove yourself, but long-term stability depends on effective daily plaque control.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between the teeth every day using the correct size of interdental brush or floss.
- Stop smoking to support healing and reduce periodontal risk. Tell us about any other tobacco or nicotine products you use so we can tailor your advice.
- Follow the review interval recommended by your dental hygienist or dentist.
- Book a review if bleeding, bad taste, swelling or tenderness returns.
For patients who develop calculus quickly, regular tartar removal and a structured plan for preventive dental care can be an important part of long-term stability after treatment.
When can surgery or additional treatment be needed?
In many cases, non-surgical treatment with thorough cleaning below the gum line, improved home care and follow-up is sufficient. If some periodontal pockets remain deep or continue to bleed despite careful treatment, further assessment may be appropriate. Depending on the situation, this can involve additional periodontal therapy, targeted dental assessment or surgical planning.
Severe periodontitis or persistent deep pockets may require referral to a periodontist, a dentist who specialises in gum disease. We explain the findings, treatment options and any proposed referral before further treatment.
Why choose Gloss & Floss for periodontal treatment in Stockholm?
- Structured treatment planning: we follow pocket depth, bleeding and periodontal risk over time rather than treating symptoms only.
- Gentle treatment: technique, pace and anaesthesia are adapted to your comfort.
- Strong prevention focus: the goal is long-term periodontal stability, not a one-off cleaning.
- Practical home-care strategy: you receive clear instructions that can be used immediately at home.
- Central Södermalm location: accessible dental hygienist and periodontal care in a calm, professional environment.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
What does periodontal treatment involve?
Periodontal treatment involves removing plaque, bacteria and calculus from tooth and root surfaces, especially inside periodontal pockets. It is combined with home-care guidance and follow-up to reduce inflammation and limit further loss of tooth support.
Is periodontal treatment the same as routine tartar removal?
No. Routine tartar removal mainly targets hard deposits above or close to the gum line. Periodontal treatment is more specifically directed at deep pockets, root surfaces and inflammation caused by periodontitis.
How do I know if I need periodontal treatment?
This is determined through examination, including pocket measurements, bleeding assessment, evaluation of calculus and, when needed, X-rays. Warning signs can include bleeding gums, deep pockets, gum recession, bad breath or loose teeth.
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
Treatment is adapted to your sensitivity. Local anaesthesia can be used for deeper pockets or tender areas. The gums may feel sore or sensitive for a short period afterwards.
How many appointments are needed?
It depends on the extent of the disease. Limited areas may be treated in fewer visits, while more generalised periodontitis usually requires several appointments followed by re-evaluation.
Can periodontitis be completely cured?
Bone and attachment already lost because of periodontitis do not usually return on their own. Active inflammation can, however, often be controlled and the condition stabilised with professional treatment, effective home care and regular supportive periodontal care.
What happens if periodontitis is not treated?
Untreated periodontitis can lead to continued loss of tooth support, deeper pockets, increasing tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the possibility of stabilising the condition.
How quickly can I notice improvement?
Bleeding and swelling may begin to decrease within a few weeks when bacterial deposits are reduced and home care improves. Long-term stability is assessed at the planned re-evaluation.
Will I need maintenance visits afterwards?
Yes. Many patients with a history of periodontitis need regular supportive periodontal care. The interval may, for example, be every three to six months depending on pocket depths, bleeding, risk factors and home care.
Does smoking affect the result?
Yes. Smoking can impair healing and increase periodontal risk. It can also make inflammation appear less obvious because bleeding may be reduced despite active disease. Stopping or reducing smoking can improve the prognosis.
What does periodontal treatment cost in Stockholm?
The cost depends on the extent of the disease, the number of areas treated, the number of appointments and the amount of follow-up needed. After assessment, you receive an individual treatment plan and cost information before treatment. See our dental prices and payment options.
When should I book an appointment?
Book an assessment if you have recurring bleeding, bad taste, bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth or if you have previously been told that you have deep gum pockets, bone loss or periodontitis.
Book a gum health assessment
If you have recurring bleeding, deep gum pockets or a previous diagnosis of periodontitis, book an assessment. We will explain your treatment needs, costs and follow-up plan.
Further reading
For more patient information, see NHS: Gum disease and the British Society of Periodontology patient information leaflet. These explain gum disease, treatment and possible after-effects. Information about local services or charges in these resources applies to the UK.
This page provides general information about periodontal treatment and does not replace an individual assessment by a dentist or dental hygienist.
