Calculus and plaque removal
Hardened calculus and bacterial film that brushing cannot reach are removed, reducing what drives the inflammation.
Gum & Periodontal Care
Lost gum bone
does not grow back
Periodontal disease does not stop at swollen, bleeding gums — it slowly dissolves the bone that holds your teeth. Because lost bone does not recover on its own, treating each stage early and maintaining regular care is what protects the lifespan of your teeth.
GENERAL CARE Periodontal Care
What is periodontal disease?
Bacteria in plaque and calculus inflame the gums. It begins as gingivitis, limited to the soft tissue, but can advance into periodontitis, where inflammation spreads to the bone supporting the teeth. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, yet pain arrives late — which is why it is so often neglected.
Stages
From healthy gums to periodontitis — how it progresses
The care your gums need depends on their condition. Up to gingivitis, scaling and good brushing can support recovery; once periodontitis begins, treatment is essential. The precise extent is determined by a periodontal exam and radiographs.
| Condition | Signs | Care |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy gums | Firm, pink gums that do not bleed when brushing | Regular checkups and annual scaling |
| Gingivitis | Red, swollen gums that sometimes bleed when brushing | Recovery can be expected with scaling and thorough brushing |
| Early periodontitis | Inflammation spreads below the gumline and bone loss begins | Calculus removal plus root-surface cleaning below the gumline |
| Advanced periodontitis | Severe swelling, pus, loose teeth, or exposed roots | Staged periodontal treatment; surgery is considered case by case |
Symptoms
Key warning signs
If any of the following applies, a gum examination is recommended.
- Bleeding or sore gums when brushing
- Bad breath that lingers even after brushing
- Receding gums with exposed tooth roots
- Red, swollen gums
- Teeth that feel increasingly loose
- A bite that feels different from before
Scaling
Scaling is where gum care begins
Removing calculus and plaque is the most fundamental part of managing gum disease. For patients sensitive to vibration or cold, we use a low-speed scaler to reduce the burden.
Slower re-buildup
The tooth surface is left smooth, slowing how quickly plaque and calculus return.
Early gum disease care
Gingivitis-stage inflammation can be expected to recover with scaling and good brushing.
Low-speed scaler
For advanced gum disease or sensitivity, a low-speed scaler reduces vibration and the sensation of cold.
In Korea, scaling is covered by national health insurance once a year from age 19. The coverage year runs January 1 through December 31, resetting each new year. If a gummy smile or an uneven gumline is your concern, see our guide to gum contouring.
FAQ
Gum care FAQ
01 Does scaling hurt?
Scaling is usually done without anesthesia. With heavy calculus or inflamed gums it can feel cold or uncomfortable; we use a low-speed scaler for sensitive patients, so let us know beforehand if you are concerned.
02 I heard scaling makes teeth sensitive or gaps appear — is that true?
When the space calculus occupied is uncovered, teeth can feel briefly sensitive and small gaps may seem to appear. This is the tooth returning to its original state, and the sensitivity usually settles. Leaving calculus in place is far more harmful to the gums.
03 How does insurance coverage work?
National health insurance covers scaling once per year for members and dependents aged 19 or older, counted from January 1 to December 31 each year. Periodontal treatment for gum inflammation is covered under its own separate criteria.
04 What happens if periodontitis is left untreated?
Periodontitis does not heal on its own. Bone loss continues, teeth loosen, and extraction can become unavoidable. Because lost bone does not grow back, starting treatment early and maintaining regular care is what saves the teeth.
This page is general information about the treatment. Diagnosis, treatment options, and duration vary by individual condition — an in-person examination is how we plan your actual care.
Gums — the longer you wait, the less comes back
We assess your gums and calculus, then plan stage-appropriate treatment and a maintenance schedule. Reception until 5:30 pm weekdays, 12:30 pm Saturdays.