Gum Health & Gum Disease Treatment – North Shore, Auckland Q&A

We diagnose, treat and support all stages of gum conditions: from bleeding gums and bad breath to advanced periodontal disease. Our focus is to restore gum health, prevent tooth loss and help you avoid gum surgery wherever possible.

Why might I need deep scaling?
If your gums are inflamed and periodontal pockets are deeper than 5mm, a normal hygiene clean is no longer enough. Deep scaling removes hardened tartar and bacteria from beneath the gumline to stabilise gum disease, reduce inflammation, protect the supporting bone, and help you keep your teeth long-term.

What happens during treatment?

Your gums are gently numbed to keep you comfortable. Using a combination of advanced ultrasonic tools and fine manual instruments, we clean the root surfaces below the gumline where bacteria live and cause damage.

The goal is simple:
Restore healthier gums, reduce pocket depth, and create a clean environment so healing can begin.

What to expect afterward?

Some people may experience temporary gum tenderness or cold sensitivity. This usually settles within 24–48 hours. If sensitivity does occur, professional and over-the-counter products such as Sensodyne toothpaste or Tooth Mousse are often very helpful.

As inflammation reduces, a small amount of gum recession may occur. This is normal and varies depending on how advanced the gum disease was to begin with.

If prescribed, antibiotics and pain relief should be taken as directed to support healing.

How much does deep scaling cost?

Pricing depends on how many quadrants need treatment.
One quadrant: $525

Before any periodontal treatment, a full periodontal assessment is required to ensure an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

What Happens at a Periodontal Consultation?

A full periodontal consultation is the most important step in diagnosing gum problems properly and planning the right treatment. During this appointment we:

• measure pocket depths and gum recession
• assess bone support and tooth stability
• identify signs of inflammation or infection
• take any necessary x-rays to support diagnosis
• discuss your concerns and goals

Once we understand your gum health clearly, we explain findings in a way that’s easy to understand and outline treatment options, costs, and expected outcomes so you know exactly what to expect moving forward.

Can I skip deep scaling and go straight to Perioscopy?

In most cases, no.
Perioscopy is most effective after inflammation has been reduced. Deep scaling removes heavy deposits and infection first, allowing Perioscopy to work precisely. In rare cases your clinician may recommend going straight to Perioscopy — this depends entirely on your clinical situation.

Why is deep scaling more expensive than a normal clean?

A standard clean removes plaque above the gums. Deep scaling treats infection below the gums, takes significantly more time, requires specialist skill, precision instruments, and sometimes medication. It is a medical periodontal procedure, not a routine hygiene appointment — and it plays a crucial role in stopping gum disease from progressing.

Why my gums are bleeding?

Bleeding gums are a common sign of inflammation or injury in the mouth and can occur for several reasons: inadequate brushing or flossing that allows plaque to build up and cause gingivitis, more advanced gum disease (periodontitis) where infection damages gum tissue and bone, aggressive brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush that physically irritates the gums, hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty, menstruation) that increase gum sensitivity, certain medications or medical conditions (such as blood thinners, diabetes, or clotting disorders) that affect bleeding, vitamin deficiencies (notably vitamin C or K), tobacco use, and recent dental procedures or trauma. If bleeding is frequent, heavy, or accompanied by swelling, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or pain, a periodontal exam is recommended to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Difference between gingivitis treatment and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. At this stage, the gums are inflamed but the supporting bone is still healthy. Treatment usually involves professional cleaning, improved home care, and regular maintenance — and in most cases gingivitis is completely reversible.

Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease where infection has already begun to damage the supporting bone and structures around the teeth. At this stage, treatment is more involved and may include deep scaling, Perioscopy, periodontal maintenance visits, and long-term monitoring. While periodontitis cannot be “cured,” it can be successfully controlled to help stabilise your gums and protect your teeth long-term.

What is Gum Recession and how to fix it?

Gum recession (receding gums) happens when the gum line pulls back and exposes the root of the tooth. This can cause sensitivity, increase the risk of decay, affect tooth stability, and in some cases change the appearance of your smile.

Recession develops gradually and may be linked to gum disease, inflammation, toothbrushing habits, orthodontic treatment, trauma, smoking, or naturally thin gum tissue. The most important step is early diagnosis so we can stop it progressing further.

During your periodontal assessment we carefully measure recession, check bone support, identify the cause and assess any areas at risk. Treatment may include deep cleaning to manage gum disease, sensitivity care, tailored home-care advice, and ongoing periodontal maintenance. Where needed, we may discuss gum grafting with trusted specialists to help protect and restore vulnerable areas.

Our focus is to slow or stop recession, protect your teeth, and keep your mouth healthy and comfortable long-term.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Persistent bad breath is often caused by bacteria living below the gumline, trapped plaque, gum disease, dry mouth, or sometimes underlying medical conditions. Occasional bad breath is common, but if it’s ongoing, it usually means the gums need professional attention.

A periodontal assessment helps identify the cause and create an effective plan to treat it. Deep cleaning, improved home care, managing gum infection, and regular maintenance visits can significantly reduce bad breath. With the right treatment, fresher breath and healthier gums are absolutely achievable.

Periodontal Maintenance and Long-Term Care

After treatment, ongoing maintenance is essential to keep gum disease under control and protect your teeth long-term. Periodontal maintenance visits help manage bacteria below the gumline, reduce inflammation, and prevent reinfection.

Most patients require ongoing care every 3–6 months depending on their risk level and gum health history. Regular visits, combined with tailored home care, play a vital role in keeping gums healthy, stabilising periodontal disease, and supporting long-term oral health.

What is Gum Infection (Abscess / Acute Gum Problems)

A gum infection can cause swelling, pain, tenderness, a bad taste in the mouth, pus, or even facial swelling. This usually means bacteria have travelled deep beneath the gumline and require professional treatment. Gum infections don’t normally resolve on their own and may worsen if left untreated.

During your visit we assess the source of infection, relieve discomfort, and begin appropriate treatment to stabilise the gums and support healing. If you experience severe pain, swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, please contact us as soon as possible.