Gum Disease Treatment
Bleeding gums, receding gum lines and deep pockets are symptoms your body uses to signal that something is wrong beneath the surface. At Citydent Istanbul, our periodontists diagnose and deliver gum disease treatment in Istanbul at the stage that gives you the best outcome — before irreversible bone loss begins.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease — clinically known as periodontal disease — is a chronic bacterial infection that damages the gums and the bone structure supporting your teeth. It develops in stages, and the stage at diagnosis determines which gum disease treatment in Istanbul is appropriate.
Symptoms that frequently bring patients seeking gum disease treatment in Istanbul to Citydent include gums that bleed during brushing, persistent bad breath, gum swelling, and visible recession of the gum line. In advanced cases, teeth may feel loose. Many patients carry early-stage gum disease without noticeable discomfort, which is why regular periodontal assessments matter.
Gum disease does not resolve on its own. Left untreated, gingivitis — the reversible early stage — progresses to periodontitis, where tissue and bone destruction occurs and cannot be fully reversed. At Citydent, our periodontist evaluates your periodontal health at your first visit and explains the findings in writing before any gum disease treatment in Istanbul proceeds.
Gum Disease Stages and What They Mean for Treatment
The 2018 AAP/EFP classification system, now standard across specialist clinics, categorises periodontal disease into four stages based on severity and complexity. Understanding your stage guides the treatment approach.
Early to Moderate Periodontitis
Pocket depths up to 5–6 mm; bone loss present but limited. Non-surgical gum disease treatment in Istanbul such as scaling and root planing typically stabilises the condition effectively.
Severe Periodontitis
Deep pockets (≥6 mm), significant bone loss, possible tooth mobility. Surgical intervention — flap surgery or bone grafting — is often required alongside non-surgical therapy.
Complex Periodontitis
Tooth loss has occurred or is imminent. Multidisciplinary management is needed. Patients considering a dental implant specialist Istanbul should resolve active gum disease first.
Gingivitis
Inflammation limited to gum tissue; bone intact. Fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral care. The most common starting point for gum treatment Istanbul.
If you are experiencing bleeding, swelling or pain, our gum inflammation treatment Istanbul and swollen gums treatment Istanbul guides explain what to expect at each stage.
Gum Disease Treatment Options in Istanbul
At Citydent Istanbul, we offer the full spectrum of evidence-based gum disease treatment in Istanbul — from non-surgical deep cleaning to guided tissue regeneration. Treatment is always selected after a thorough assessment; no procedure is recommended without a documented clinical reason.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
The gold-standard first-line treatment for Stage I–II periodontitis. SRP removes plaque and calculus from below the gum line and smooths root surfaces to discourage bacterial reattachment. Most patients experience measurable pocket-depth reduction following a course of SRP. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology confirms SRP as an effective non-surgical approach for early to moderate disease.
For patients who notice gum bleeding alongside disease: gum bleeding treatment Istanbul.
Subgingival Curettage
Used alongside or following SRP in moderate periodontal cases. Infected soft tissue lining the pocket is removed to promote reattachment of healthy gum tissue to the tooth surface. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia.
Gingivectomy
Surgical removal of overgrown or diseased gum tissue to restore a healthy contour and allow thorough cleaning. In cases of medication-related gum overgrowth, patients are referred to their prescribing physician before periodontal surgery proceeds.
Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
For Stage III disease where non-surgical therapy has not fully controlled infection, the gum tissue is folded back to allow direct access to root surfaces and underlying bone. After thorough debridement, the flap is repositioned to reduce pocket depth. Flap surgery typically results in meaningful improvement in periodontal stability.
Gum Grafting for Recession
Used to treat gum recession treatment Istanbul, where the gum line has retreated to expose root surfaces. A connective tissue graft — most often harvested from the patient's palate — is placed to cover exposed roots, protect against sensitivity and rebuild the gum line. Healing typically takes several weeks, with full tissue integration occurring over a longer period depending on graft extent.
Crown Lengthening
Reshapes gum tissue and, where necessary, supporting bone to expose a greater portion of the tooth. Crown lengthening is performed before certain crown or veneer placements, and also as part of gum aesthetics Istanbul procedures.
Bone Grafting and Guided Tissue Regeneration
For patients with significant bone loss around teeth, graft material is placed to support bone volume and encourage regeneration. Guided tissue regeneration membranes are used to direct the healing response. This approach is also relevant for patients preparing for implants following tooth loss from periodontal disease Istanbul.
Frenectomy
Removal or repositioning of the frenum — the small band of tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the gum — when it creates tension that pulls on the gum line or contributes to spacing between teeth.
Recognising Gum Disease Symptoms — When to See a Periodontist
Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Patients who search for information about gum disease symptoms typically notice bleeding first. Recognising gum disease symptoms early is the most reliable way to avoid surgical treatment.
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Bleeding when brushing or flossing The most frequent early warning sign of gingivitis. Our gum bleeding guide Istanbul explains when bleeding requires professional assessment.
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Persistent bad breath Bacteria in deep pockets produce compounds that cause odour. See our bad breath and gum disease Istanbul guide.
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Gum swelling or tenderness Swollen gums treatment Istanbul — causes and clinical management.
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Receding gum line Gum recession treatment Istanbul — when and how the gum line retreats.
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Loose or shifting teeth A sign of advanced bone loss. See loose teeth caused by gum disease Istanbul.
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Gum pain, sensitivity or itching Gum pain relief Istanbul | gum sensitivity treatment Istanbul | itchy gums Istanbul.
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Changes in gum colour Gum colour changes Istanbul — dark, red or white gum discolouration explained.
For a broader overview, our gum problems guide Istanbul covers the full range of periodontal symptoms and treatment paths.
What to Expect: Gum Treatment in Istanbul at Citydent
Your first appointment at our Citydent dental clinic Istanbul involves a full periodontal charting — pocket depths, bleeding index, bone assessment via X-ray, and mobility recording. Findings are explained before any gum disease treatment in Istanbul is recommended.
Most periodontal protocols involve multiple sessions. Non-surgical therapy typically precedes any decision about surgery, allowing the tissues to respond before further intervention is considered.
Periodontal procedures are carried out under local anaesthesia. Any post-procedure discomfort should be managed as advised by your treating dentist — who will provide specific guidance based on your procedure and health history.
Most patients recover comfortably within one to two weeks following non-surgical treatment. Surgical procedures involve a longer healing window, and your periodontist will provide written aftercare guidance. Long-term periodontal stability depends on professional maintenance appointments and consistent daily care at home.
Gum disease is frequently linked to systemic conditions and may require coordination with your physician. Before any surgical procedure at Citydent, your full medical history is reviewed. Patients from abroad seeking gum disease treatment in Istanbul will find our team experienced in coordinating care across international timelines.
You can book your dental consultation Istanbul to receive a personalised periodontal assessment.
Related Gum Conditions We Treat
Gum disease encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions. In addition to gingivitis treatment Istanbul and periodontitis Istanbul, our periodontist treats the full range of periodontal problems. All gum disease treatment in Istanbul at Citydent is carried out by a specialist periodontist, not a general dentist.
- Gum abscess treatment Istanbul
- Gum fistula treatment Istanbul
- Swollen gums treatment Istanbul
- Gum sensitivity treatment Istanbul
- Itchy gums Istanbul
- Gum colour changes Istanbul
- Gum pain relief Istanbul
For a comprehensive overview, see our gum treatment Istanbul pillar page, or the gum problems guide Istanbul for symptom-to-treatment navigation.
A connection also exists between gum disease and professional teeth cleaning Istanbul — routine hygiene sessions are the first line of maintenance after active treatment concludes. We also address bad breath and gum disease Istanbul, loose teeth caused by gum disease Istanbul, and gum pain and toothache Istanbul.
Our approach to gum disease treatment in Istanbul also includes treating gum inflammation Istanbul cases — from mild gingivitis to acute infections requiring prompt care. We address gum disease symptoms including bleeding, swelling, pain and recession in a single specialist consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis — the early, inflammation-only stage — can be fully reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care. Once periodontitis has developed, the structural damage to bone and attachment is not reversible, but treatment can effectively halt progression and stabilise the condition.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Istanbul?
Costs depend on the procedures required and the extent of disease. Non-surgical options involve fewer appointments than surgical ones; bone grafting or flap surgery is priced according to the number of sites treated and materials used. We provide a written cost breakdown after your assessment — contact us to arrange a consultation.
Is gum treatment painful?
Most periodontal procedures are performed under local anaesthesia and are well tolerated. After treatment, mild sensitivity or soreness is normal for a few days. Your treating dentist will give you specific guidance on managing any post-procedure discomfort based on your procedure and health history.
Can gum recession be treated?
Yes. Gum recession caused by periodontitis or physical recession can often be addressed through connective tissue grafting, which repositions tissue to cover exposed root surfaces and restore the gum line. The suitability of grafting depends on the extent and cause of recession, which your periodontist will assess.
How long does healing take?
After non-surgical treatment such as scaling and root planing, most patients are comfortable within a few days, with tissue improvements continuing over several weeks. Surgical procedures — including grafts and flap surgery — involve a longer recovery, typically measured in weeks. Your periodontist will provide a written aftercare and timeline guide at your appointment.
Is gum disease contagious?
Gum disease is not directly transmitted person-to-person. However, the bacteria that contribute to gum disease can be present in saliva and may transfer between people in close contact — for example, through shared utensils. Individual susceptibility, oral hygiene and immune response are the primary determining factors.
Can gum disease return after treatment?
Yes — periodontal disease can recur if daily oral hygiene is not maintained and professional maintenance appointments are skipped. Patients who have been treated for gum disease are typically placed on a structured recall schedule, with cleaning intervals adjusted based on their disease history.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis affects the gum tissue only — the bone supporting the teeth remains intact. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage in which the infection has spread to the supporting bone and attachment fibres, causing irreversible structural damage. The key distinction for treatment: gingivitis is reversible; periodontitis requires ongoing management.