Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums only. The bone is not yet affected, so the damage can be fully reversed.
- Gums look red or puffy
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Treated with a professional cleaning (scaling) and better daily care
Gangnam Seoul · Gum (periodontal) care in English
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Gangnam Seoul
Bleeding, swollen or receding gums? Our Seoul National University–trained dentists treat gum disease early — and explain every step in English — so you can keep your natural teeth.
In short: periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and the bone that holds your teeth. Caught early (gingivitis), it is fully reversible with a professional cleaning and better home care. Once it reaches the bone (periodontitis), deep cleaning, and sometimes gum surgery, can stop it from getting worse.
English-speaking team · Saturday appointments · Cheongdam Station Exit 14
Since 1996
Caring for gums and smiles in Gangnam for 30 years
- SNU-trained Every dentist trained at Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- In English Diagnosis, options and aftercare explained in English
- 3D CT Imaging to check bone levels around the teeth
- NHIS · TRICARE We work with Korean NHIS, TRICARE Dental and major private insurers
Understanding gum disease
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease (gum disease) starts when plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — builds up along the gum line. The gums become inflamed, and over time the infection can spread below the gums to the ligament and bone that anchor your teeth.
It is very common: the World Health Organization estimates that severe periodontal disease affects around 1 in 5 adults worldwide. It is also one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults — which is why finding it early matters.
Periodontitis
The infection has reached the bone. Pockets form between gum and tooth, and bone that is lost usually does not grow back on its own.
- Gums pulling back, teeth look longer
- Persistent bad breath, loose or shifting teeth
- Treated with deep cleaning, and surgery if pockets stay deep
When to see a dentist
Warning signs of gum disease
Gum disease is often painless until it is advanced. Book a check-up if you notice any of these:
- Gums that bleed when brushing, flossing or eating
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away
- Gums receding, or teeth looking longer than before
- Loose teeth, new gaps, or a change in your bite
- Pus between the teeth and gums, or pain when chewing
Who is at higher risk
Common causes & risk factors
- Plaque and tartar build-up from irregular cleaning
- Smoking or vaping
- Diabetes, especially when blood sugar is not well controlled
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy
- Family history of gum disease
- Medicines that cause a dry mouth
- Crowded teeth or old fillings and crowns that trap plaque
- Teeth grinding, stress and long gaps between dental visits
How we treat it
Your gum treatment, step by step.
We always start with the gentlest option that will work. Surgery is only considered if deep pockets remain after non-surgical treatment.
- 1
Gum examination
We measure pocket depth around each tooth and take X-rays or a 3D CT scan to see the bone.
First visit - 2
Scaling & root planing
A deep clean under local anaesthetic removes tartar below the gum line and smooths the roots so gums can reattach.
1–2 visits - 3
Re-evaluation
We re-measure the pockets once the gums have healed to check how well they have responded.
About 4–8 weeks later - 4
Surgery, if needed
For pockets that stay deep: flap surgery, bone or gum grafts, or guided tissue regeneration.
Only when required - 5
Maintenance
Regular periodontal cleanings keep the disease under control and protect your results long-term.
Every 3–6 months
Treatment options at a glance
Which treatment is right for you?
Your dentist will recommend a plan after the examination. This table gives you an idea of what each option involves.
| Treatment | Best for | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling (professional cleaning) | Gingivitis, prevention | Removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gum line. Usually one short visit. |
| Scaling & root planing (deep cleaning) | Early to moderate periodontitis | Cleans deep pockets and smooths root surfaces under local anaesthetic, often section by section. |
| Antibiotic therapy | Active or stubborn infection | Antibiotics placed in the pocket or taken by mouth, alongside cleaning — never instead of it. |
| Laser periodontal therapy | Selected pockets | A dental laser can help reduce bacteria and inflamed tissue as part of deep cleaning. |
| Flap (pocket reduction) surgery | Moderate to severe periodontitis | The gum is gently lifted to clean the roots, then repositioned to reduce pocket depth. |
| Bone graft / guided tissue regeneration | Bone loss around a tooth | Graft material and a membrane encourage lost bone and tissue to regrow in suitable sites. |
| Soft tissue (gum) graft | Receding or thin gums | Tissue is added to cover exposed roots and strengthen the gum line. |
For international patients
Living in Seoul or just visiting? We'll plan around you.
Many of our gum patients are expats, students and travellers. Our English coordinator books visits around your schedule — Saturdays included — and your dentist explains your diagnosis and options in English before anything begins.
- Expats & residents: if you are enrolled in Korean NHIS, an annual scaling and most non-surgical gum treatment are partly covered.
- U.S. military families: we work with the TRICARE Dental Program.
- Visitors: we provide treatment notes and receipts in English for your private or travel insurer.
A typical visit plan
- Before you arrive
Message us on WhatsApp or email. Recent X-rays or photos help us prepare.
- Day 1
Gum examination, X-rays and a clear, written treatment plan in English.
- Days 1–7
Deep cleaning, usually completed in one or two visits.
- After 4–8 weeks
Re-evaluation here — or with your dentist at home, using the records we give you.
- Ongoing
Maintenance cleanings every 3–6 months to keep your gums healthy.
If surgery is recommended, allow extra time in Seoul for healing and a follow-up check. Your dentist will give you an exact timeline.
After treatment
Keeping your gums healthy
Gum disease can come back if plaque returns. These habits make the biggest difference:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft brush, angled at the gum line
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Expect mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days after deep cleaning
- Use the mouthwash your dentist recommends, for as long as advised
- Stop smoking — it is one of the strongest risk factors for gum disease
- Keep your maintenance appointments, even when your gums feel fine
- If you have diabetes, keeping blood sugar stable also helps your gums heal
Questions patients ask us
Periodontal treatment FAQ
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis — the early stage — can be completely reversed with a professional cleaning and good daily care. Periodontitis cannot usually be "cured", but it can be stopped and kept under control with deep cleaning and regular maintenance. In suitable cases, grafting can help rebuild some of the lost bone.
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
Deep cleaning is done under local anaesthetic, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Your gums may feel tender or sensitive for a few days afterwards; over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough.
How many visits will I need?
Gingivitis usually needs one cleaning visit. Periodontitis is typically treated over one to two deep-cleaning visits, followed by a re-evaluation about 4–8 weeks later. Surgery, if needed, is planned after that re-evaluation.
Can I get gum treatment during a short trip to Seoul?
Yes. The examination and deep cleaning can usually be completed within about a week. We give you X-rays and treatment notes in English, so the follow-up check can be done here or with your dentist at home.
Is periodontal treatment covered by insurance in Korea?
If you are enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS), an annual scaling and most non-surgical gum treatment are partly covered. We also work with the TRICARE Dental Program and major private insurers, and can provide English receipts for reimbursement. Costs depend on your diagnosis, so we confirm them after your examination.
Do you have English-speaking dentists?
Yes. Our dentists explain your diagnosis and every option in English, and our English coordinator, Ms. Choi, has been helping international patients at A Plus for over 15 years.
Where is A Plus Dental Clinic and how do I book?
We are on the 3rd floor of the Samgang Building, 704 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — right outside Exit 14 of Cheongdam Station (Line 7). Book on WhatsApp at +82 10-9325-2875, or email aplus.dentalclinic@gmail.com.
Related gum treatments
More ways we care for your gums
Receding gum treatment
Covering exposed roots and protecting sensitive teeth.
Learn more →Laser periodontal therapy
Laser-assisted cleaning of inflamed gum pockets.
Learn more →Gum contouring
Reshaping the gum line for a balanced smile.
Learn more →Dental implants
Replacing teeth already lost to gum disease.
Learn more →Come and say hello
Bleeding gums? Let's take a look.
Send us a message in English — we'll reply, find a time that suits you and explain what to expect before your visit.
- Address
- 3F Samgang Building, 704 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Subway
- Cheongdam Station (Line 7), right outside Exit 14
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9:30–18:00 (lunch 12:30–13:00)
Saturday 9:00–13:00 (no lunch break)
Closed Sundays & public holidays - +82 10-9325-2875
- Phone
- +82 10-9325-2875
This page is for general information and does not replace an examination by a dentist. A Plus Dental Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul · Since 1996 · Last updated October 2026
