Periodontal Gum Treatment (RSD – Root Surface Debridement)
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that live in your mouth. The bacteria stick to your teeth,
irritate the gums and make them bleed. Gum disease can eventually destroy the gum and bone
that support your teeth.
Some people have more severe gum disease than others. This can have specific causes such as
diabetes or smoking, but some people are naturally more prone to gum disease.
What is periodontal treatment?
Periodontal treatment is the deep thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums to help control the
bacteria that cause gum disease.
What happens during initial periodontal treatment?
We will remove the tartar (calculus) caused by bacteria from above the gumline by cleaning
(scaling) the teeth. We also remove bacteria, loose gum tissue and tartar from below the gum
using powered and hand-operated cleaning instruments under local anaesthetic.
Gum treatment usually involves one or two appointments of deep gum cleaning, followed by
review appointments to monitor healing. After approximately three months, a reassessment
appointment will determine the extent of gum healing.
In some forms of gum disease, it may be necessary to take a course of antibiotics after
treatment.
Benefits of periodontal treatment
✓Healthier gums
✓Improved ability to keep your natural teeth longer
✓Reduced soreness and inflammation
✓Potential improvement in tooth stability
✓Fresher breath
The success of treatment depends on how severe the disease was initially and how well oral
hygiene is maintained after treatment.
Risks and possible complications
✓Post-operative pain or discomfort
✓Swelling
✓Temporary increase in tooth sensitivity
✓Gum shrinkage during healing
✓Appearance of “black triangles” between teeth
Some discomfort, pain, or sensitivity may occur following treatment. Swelling may develop
within 24 hours but usually subsides shortly afterwards.
Alternative options
No treatment:
Choosing not to have treatment may lead to progression of gum disease, increasing the risk of
bone loss, tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss.
Extraction:
In severe cases, extraction of affected teeth may be considered. Missing teeth may then require
replacement with dentures, bridges, or implants.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
✓You may take paracetamol or ibuprofen before your appointment if appropriate for you.
✓Follow any additional instructions provided by your clinician.
After Treatment Guidelines
✓Avoid eating or chewing on the treated area for at least 2 hours or until numbness has worn off.
✓Avoid hard or crunchy foods such as chips, popcorn and seeds.
✓Rinse 2–3 times daily with warm salt water or Peroxyl as advised.
✓Resume brushing and flossing gently from the evening of treatment or the following day.
✓Avoid smoking or tobacco products for at least 24–48 hours.
✓Use ibuprofen or paracetamol if required for pain relief.
✓Temporary cold sensitivity is normal and should gradually improve.
✓Desensitising toothpaste such as Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief may help.
✓Avoid whitening toothpastes if sensitivity is present.
If you experience persistent pain, swelling or any unexpected symptoms after treatment,
please contact the practice as soon as possible.
What happens after the procedure?
You will receive written post-operative instructions and a follow-up appointment.
Proposed Treatment Outline
✓Full mouth pocket depth recording (baseline assessment)
✓Root Surface Debridement (RSD) under local anaesthetic
✓2-week post-operative review (15 minutes)
✓3-month post-operative review including full periodontal reassessment and hygiene appointment
If deeper periodontal pockets have not improved compared with baseline measurements,
additional treatment may be required and may incur further costs.
Treatment Costs
Cost of treatment: £335 or £585
Important Conditions
✓This treatment plan is valid for 3 months from commencement of the initial appointment.
✓Completion of treatment outside the 3-month period may incur additional charges.
✓A deposit of £250 is required before the first appointment.
✓The remaining balance is payable after the first appointment.
✓Cancellations made within 48 hours of an appointment will result in loss of the deposit.
✓Please ensure all appointments are booked at the appropriate intervals.
