Periodontitis treatment in Palma
Periodontitis, also known as pyorrhoea, is a chronic gum infection that gradually destroys the bone that holds the teeth in place. At first it barely hurts, so it is often detected late, when the teeth are already loose. Along with decay, it is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults.
The good news is that it can be stopped. Treatment removes the bacteria below the gum and, with good maintenance, the teeth are kept. We carry it out at Udemax Miramar and Emardental, in Palma, and your first visit is free.
Deep cleaning below the gum
Painless during treatment
Usual maintenance interval
First visit and diagnosis
Do your gums bleed or your teeth feel loose? Book an appointment
We measure your gums, check the bone and explain what stage the disease is at and how to treat it.
Leave us your details and we will call you back within three hours.
What is periodontitis?
It all starts with bacterial plaque building up along the gum. If it is not removed, the gum becomes inflamed: this is gingivitis, which is cured with a cleaning and good hygiene. If the inflammation continues, bacteria spread below the gum and form pockets between the gum and the tooth.
In these pockets, the body's own inflammatory response gradually destroys the bone and tissues that hold the tooth. This is periodontitis. Without treatment, the teeth loosen and can eventually be lost.
Symptoms of periodontitis
These are the most common warning signs:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or on their own.
- Red, swollen or receding gums.
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Teeth that look longer or have new gaps.
- Sensitivity or discomfort when chewing.
- Teeth that are loose or change position.
Smoking can mask bleeding, so smokers should have check-ups even if they notice no symptoms.
Treatments for periodontitis
Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is:
Scaling and root planing
Also known as deep cleaning. Under local anaesthetic, we thoroughly clean the pockets below the gum to remove plaque and tartar, and smooth the root so the gum can reattach. It is done section by section, in one or more sessions, and in most cases it is enough.
Periodontal surgery
If deep pockets remain after scaling, they are accessed with minor surgery to clean them completely. In some bone defects, regeneration can be attempted.
Periodontal maintenance
This is what keeps the disease under control. It consists of regular check-ups and cleanings, usually every 3 to 6 months, and is just as important as the treatment.
What increases the risk of periodontitis?
Plaque and tartar
Poor hygiene is the underlying cause: without plaque there is no periodontitis.
Smoking
It is the main risk factor: it worsens the disease and the response to treatment.
Diabetes
Poorly controlled diabetes and periodontitis make each other worse.
Genetics
Some people are more prone to it, so check-ups are advisable if there is a family history.
Stress
Ongoing stress lowers the body's defences and encourages inflammation.
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy and other hormonal changes make the gums more sensitive to plaque.
What is periodontal treatment like?
Diagnosis
We use a probe to measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth, known as a periodontal chart, and take X-rays to see the bone. This tells us what stage the disease is at.
Treatment
We carry out scaling and root planing under local anaesthetic and show you the hygiene you need at home. In some cases antibiotics are added as support.
Re-evaluation and maintenance
After a few weeks we measure the gums again. If they are under control, we move on to maintenance; if deep pockets remain, we consider surgery.
Care to keep the disease under control
What you do at home is as important as the treatment:
- Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush, reaching the gum line.
- Use interdental brushes or floss every day.
- Use the mouthwash we recommend, only for the period prescribed.
- Stop smoking or cut down as much as possible.
- If you have diabetes, keep it well controlled.
- Don't miss your maintenance check-ups and cleanings.
Can periodontitis be cured?
Periodontitis is a chronic disease: it can be stopped and kept under control for life, but it needs ongoing care. Bone that has been lost does not grow back on its own, although in some cases it can be regenerated with surgery.
That is why it is so important to treat it early and not to abandon maintenance. If the disease has made your gums recede, we also explain how to treat them on our receding gums page.
Who will treat you
Periodontal treatment is led by Dr Emilio Martínez-Almoyna Rifá, specialist in periodontics, together with our dental hygienists, who carry out the cleanings and maintenance.
Where we treat periodontitis
We treat periodontitis at two of our clinics in Palma: Udemax Miramar and Emardental.
Periodontics
Udemax Miramar
Outpatient department, Hospital Juaneda Miramar
Camí de la Vileta, 30 · 07011 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–20:00
By car
Paid parking at the Hospital Juaneda Miramar car park, a one-minute walk away, plus street parking. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 6, 8 and 29, stopping at "Policlínica", in front of the hospital.
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Camí de la Vileta, 51 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
Periodontics
Emardental
Carrer d’Alfons el Magnànim, 2, ground floor
Bons Aires · 07004 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–13:00
By car
Street parking and the Santa Pagesa underground pay car park (Carrer d’Ausiàs March, 26), a 4-minute walk away. There is also a pay car park at s’Escorxador, about a 5-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 12, 20, 24 and 40, stopping at "Pl. d’Abú Yahya", "Alfons el Magnànim" or "31 de desembre".
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi rank at Plaça d’Abú Yahya, 2.
Frequently asked questions about periodontitis
Can periodontitis be cured?
It can be stopped and kept under control, but it is a chronic disease: if maintenance is abandoned, it can come back. Lost bone does not recover on its own.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum, without bone loss, and is completely cured with a cleaning and good hygiene. Periodontitis has already affected the bone that holds the tooth.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
No, because it is done under local anaesthetic. Afterwards there may be some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days.
How many sessions are needed?
Usually between one and four, depending on how many areas need treating. Then a re-evaluation a few weeks later.
Can loose teeth be saved?
In many cases yes, if treated in time. Once the infection is under control, the gum settles and the teeth usually stabilise. If a tooth is badly affected, we consider alternatives such as implants.
Is periodontitis contagious?
It is not contagious like a common infection, but the bacteria can be passed on through saliva. If one partner has periodontitis, it is a good idea for the other to have a check-up too.
How often is maintenance needed?
Usually every 3 to 6 months, depending on how your gums respond and your risk factors.
How much does periodontitis treatment cost in Palma?
It depends on the stage of the disease and the number of areas to be treated. At your free first visit we give you a detailed quote, and you can finance your treatment.