At Salud Dental HJC, we know that a beautiful smile depends not only on straight, white teeth, but also on healthy gums. Periodontology is the dental speciality dedicated to preventing, diagnosing and treating the diseases that affect the tissues that support and protect your teeth: the gums, the alveolar bone and the periodontal ligament.
When the bacteria in your mouth build up, they form dental plaque and tartar. If they are not removed in time, they cause infections that damage these supporting tissues. This can lead to two problems:
Gingivitis
This is the initial stage. It shows up as inflammation, redness and bleeding of the gums when you brush. It is fully reversible if it is caught in time.
Periodontitis (or pyorrhoea)
This is the severe progression of gingivitis. The infection progressively destroys the bone that holds your teeth in place. Without the right treatment, it causes tooth mobility and even the irreversible loss of your teeth.
Do not worry — we are here to stop it from happening!
When is a Periodontal Treatment recommended?
Periodontal treatment is especially recommended for people with a heavy buildup of subgingival tartar (below the gum line) or who already show signs of bone loss.
It is also especially advised if:
You have a family history of periodontitis (because a genetic factor is involved).
You smoke, because tobacco masks the bleeding and speeds up bone loss.
You have a systemic condition such as diabetes, where periodontal health has a direct impact on blood sugar control.
Warning signs: when is the time to visit us?
Many gum diseases progress silently and painlessly in their early stages. We recommend booking an appointment at our clinic in Palma if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Your gums bleed when you brush or eat hard foods. Remember: healthy gums never bleed!
Your gums look very red, swollen or tender to the touch.
You keep having bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
Your teeth look longer because the gums are shrinking back (recession).
Cold water or hot coffee bothers your teeth.
Your teeth feel loose, or they feel as if they are pulling apart.
Precise, digital periodontal diagnosis
Before starting any treatment, we carry out a thorough study using a periodontal chart and state-of-the-art digital X-rays. This lets us measure the periodontal pockets accurately, pinpoint any bone loss, and design a personalised plan for every patient in Palma de Mallorca.
Our Periodontal Treatment Process in Palma
At our clinic we tackle gum problems with a personalised, safe protocol adapted to the severity of each case:
Periodontal Study and Diagnosis
We carry out a full assessment that includes a periodontal chart (measuring the space between the gum and the tooth) and digital X-rays to check the true condition of the supporting bone.
Deep Cleaning Phase (Scaling and Root Planing)
Also known as curettage. Under local anaesthetic (to guarantee the process is completely painless), we use precision instruments called curettes to remove the tartar and the bacteria that build up beneath the gums. We clean and polish the root of the tooth so the gum can attach firmly again.
Surgical or Regenerative Phase (advanced cases only)
If the disease is very advanced and the periodontal pockets are deep, our specialist will assess whether to carry out small access surgeries or bone and gum regeneration techniques to recover the lost tissue.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontitis is a chronic disease, so it has to be kept under watch to stop it coming back. Once the infection has cleared, it is vital to attend periodic maintenance visits every 4 to 6 months at our clinic. These sessions include a check-up to make sure the condition has not returned and a maintenance cleaning to guarantee long-term success.
Are your gums bleeding, or has it been a while since your last check-up?
Do not wait until it is too late.
Book an appointment at Salud Dental HJC and we will help you keep a healthy, protected mouth.
Our services
Deep cleaning and prophylaxis
Professional removal of tartar and accumulated bacterial plaque to keep your gums healthy.
Gingivitis treatment
A specific treatment to reverse gum inflammation and bleeding at this early stage.
Periodontitis treatment
A specialised protocol to halt bone loss and keep your teeth for the long term.
Bacteriological and Genetic Test
To tailor treatments to the type of bacteria involved and to your genetic predisposition.
Maintenance and follow-up
Periodic visits every 4 to 6 months to check that the disease has not returned.
Periodontal surgery and bone regeneration
Access surgeries and advanced techniques to recover lost bone and tissue.
Gum graft
A treatment to cover recession and restore the look and health of your smile.
Healthy gums are the secret to a smile that lasts a lifetime
Frequently asked questions about Periodontology
We answer the questions our patients ask us most often.
Does periodontal treatment, or curettage, hurt?
Not at all. At our dental clinic in Palma we carry out scaling and root planing (curettage) under local anaesthetic. This guarantees that you will feel no discomfort during the procedure. After treatment it is normal to notice slight sensitivity to cold or heat for a few days, but it is temporary and very easy to manage.
How long does a periodontal treatment take?
It depends on the condition of each patient’s gums. Generally speaking, the deep cleaning phase (scaling) is carried out over one or two sessions of about an hour. The most important part of periodontics is the maintenance phase that follows, which consists of check-up visits every 4 to 6 months to make sure the infection does not come back.
Can periodontitis be completely cured?
Periodontitis is a chronic disease, which means that bone which has already been lost does not grow back on its own. That said, it can be fully halted and brought under control. With periodontal treatment we manage to clear the bacteria, heal the gums and stop the disease from progressing, so you can keep your teeth for life.
Why do my gums bleed even though I brush properly?
Bleeding is the unmistakable warning sign of inflammation caused by the buildup of bacteria (tartar) below the gum line, where an ordinary toothbrush cannot reach. Healthy gums never bleed. If you notice bleeding when you brush, we recommend coming to our clinic in Palma for a periodontal diagnosis in good time.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the early stage of the disease and affects only the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. It is entirely reversible with good oral hygiene. Periodontitis (or pyorrhoea) is the advanced stage, where the infection has already reached the bone that holds the teeth and is destroying it little by little. The latter requires specialised periodontal treatment to stop tooth loss.
Can I get dental implants if I have periodontitis?
Yes, but we have to heal your gums first. The same bacteria that destroy the bone around your natural teeth can also attack the bone that supports implants, causing a condition called peri-implantitis. For your safety, and to make sure your implants last many years, we first clear the infection from your mouth completely and, once your gums are 100% healthy, we plan the placement of the implants.
Does tobacco make my gum health worse?
Absolutely. Tobacco is one of the biggest enemies of your gums. Nicotine reduces blood flow in the mouth, which produces a very dangerous effect: it stops the gums from bleeding and so hides the disease. Many smokers think their mouth is healthy because they do not see any blood, but the infection keeps on silently destroying the bone, and faster.
What happens if I decide not to treat my periodontitis?
If it is not halted in time, the infection will go on irreversibly destroying the bone that holds your teeth in place. Over time you will notice that your teeth start to move, that they pull apart, and eventually they will fall out or need to be extracted. What is more, periodontitis is closely linked to your overall health: the bacteria in your mouth can pass into the bloodstream, raising the risk of cardiovascular problems or destabilising blood sugar levels if you are diabetic.