Gum-disease treatment can range from improved home care and deep cleaning to surgery. The correct treatment depends on measurements, X-rays and how the gums respond over time.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are different
Gingivitis is inflammation without established supporting-bone loss and can often improve with plaque control and professional care. Periodontitis involves loss of supporting tissues and needs long-term management rather than a one-off “cure.”
How is gum disease assessed?
A clinician should record pocket depths, bleeding, recession, mobility and plaque, and review appropriate X-rays. Ask for copies of the periodontal chart and diagnosis.
Common treatments
| Treatment | Purpose | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Oral-hygiene instruction | Improve daily plaque removal | Ongoing |
| Scaling/root-surface debridement | Clean below the gumline | Reassessment after healing |
| Periodontal surgery | Access, regenerate or reshape selected sites | Multiple reviews |
| Maintenance | Reduce recurrence and monitor stability | Often every 3–6 months |
Typical overseas prices
A deep-cleaning course may be advertised from roughly £150–£700, while surgery or grafting costs more.
Illustrative overseas deep-cleaning treatment range
Reference rates dated 13 September 2026, sourced from Frankfurter central-bank data. Illustrative conversion only; clinic prices, card rates and fees vary.
Why one holiday may be insufficient
Response to treatment must be reassessed after tissues heal. Crowns, veneers or implants should not be rushed onto unstable gums. Arrange maintenance at home before committing to extensive restorative work.
Dental Treatment Recovery Calculator
Select every procedure planned for the same trip. The calculator uses the most conservative selected estimate, because combining treatments can extend recovery.
Your conservative planning estimate
What discomfort is expected?
Sensitivity, tenderness and minor bleeding can occur after deep cleaning. Surgery has a longer recovery. Increasing swelling, fever, pus or uncontrolled bleeding requires urgent advice.
Questions to ask
- What is my exact periodontal diagnosis?
- Can I have my chart and X-rays?
- When will treatment be reassessed?
- Who provides maintenance after I return?
- Should cosmetic or implant treatment wait until stability is confirmed?
Continue your research: Why gum health matters · Implant checks
Stabilise the gums before cosmetic work
Compare the diagnosis, complete cost and aftercare before committing.
General information only. This does not replace an examination or personalised advice from a qualified dental professional.