Treating gingivitis and periodontitis in Lugano and Bellinzona

Signs not to ignore

Gums that bleed when you brush, persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, receding gums, teeth that appear to be getting longer, gaps opening up between teeth or teeth that start to feel loose: these are the classic signs of gingivitis and periodontitis. Bleeding is never normal — it is an inflammation that needs to be assessed, and in its early stages it is completely reversible.

Gingivitis and periodontitis: the difference

Gingivitis is a superficial inflammation of the gum caused by plaque: with a hygiene appointment and good home care it heals without leaving any damage. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the inflammation reaches the bone and the ligament that hold the tooth in place, creating pockets between tooth and gum and progressively destroying the supporting bone. Lost bone does not grow back on its own, which is why early diagnosis is decisive. Smoking, diabetes, stress and a family history all increase the risk.

Diagnosis

Using a periodontal probe we measure, point by point, the depth of the pockets around every tooth and record bleeding and mobility; X-rays show the level of the bone. The result is a precise map of your gums that tells us how advanced the disease is and lets us track it over time.

Treatment

Treatment begins with the professional removal of plaque and tartar from below the gum line (root planing), carried out under local anaesthetic over one or more appointments, which halts the disease in the majority of cases. In more advanced cases, where deep pockets remain, surgical treatment can be used to clean the roots thoroughly and, where possible, regenerate lost tissue. Periodontal care is led by Dr Alessandro Campiotti at our Lugano practice — meet the team — and by Med. dent. Stefano Gambaro at our Bellinzona practice. At both practices, throughout treatment, the dentist works alongside our experienced team of dental hygienists, who carry out the treatment and maintenance appointments and support you with your daily oral care.

Maintenance

Periodontitis is managed over time rather than cured once and for all: professional hygiene every three to four months and regular check-ups keep the results stable and protect your teeth — and any implants, which are affected by the same disease in the form of peri-implantitis — for years to come. Patients who keep up their maintenance keep their teeth in the great majority of cases.

Receding gums

Gum recession can be caused not only by periodontitis but also by brushing too hard or by naturally thin gums. It exposes the root, makes the teeth sensitive and makes them look longer. In suitable cases the root can be covered again with a small gum graft, with good cosmetic and functional results. Every treatment is preceded by a clear estimate.

Frequently asked questions