What Is Periodontics?

The mildest form of gum disease is known as GINGIVITIS. This is an oral disease caused primarily by the buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to PERIODONTITIS, which is a more advanced and severe stage. Both are infections caused by bacteria.

What are the symptoms of gingivitis?

  • Swollen Gums
  • Reddened gums
  • Spontaneous bleeding or bleeding when brushing

What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

  • Swollen gums
  • Reddened gums
  • Spontaneous bleeding or bleeding when brushing
  • Destruction of the bone that supports the tooth
  • A buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar beneath the gums, causing periodontal pockets to form.
  • Receding gums, giving the teeth a longer appearance
  • Tooth Sensitivity
    Tooth Mobility
  • Dental Separation or Migration
  • Tooth Loss
  • Halitosis or Bad Breath
  • Formation of abscesses

Our Methodology

In the case of gingivitis, professional dental cleaning combined with changes in oral hygiene habits at home is necessary to reverse its progression.

In the case of periodontitis, more thorough hygiene techniques will be necessary, consisting of subgingival and root decontamination. This treatment is called root planing and smoothing. In very advanced stages of the disease, minor procedures—such as periodontal surgery—will be necessary to ensure complete disinfection.

The First Visit

  • We assess habits and risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing gingivitis or periodontitis.
  • X-rays: We use X-rays to assess the amount of bone supporting the existing teeth.
  • Periodontal Examination (Florida Probe): We assess the relationship between the gums and the teeth (degree of inflammation) and any possible mobility, among other factors. It is a highly accurate diagnostic tool that records up to six locations for each tooth.
  • Microbiological test: By analyzing dental plaque, we can determine the composition of the bacterial flora, its aggressiveness, and whether or not specific antibiotic treatment is necessary.
  • Personalized oral hygiene recommendations tailored to each patient.

Treatment Process

Periodontal treatment begins with a periodontal examination: a systematic assessment of the condition of the gums and the supporting bone around each tooth. We include X-rays and, when available, photographs. We establish a diagnosis (gingivitis, periodontitis, and their severity) and a treatment plan. The initial phase includes personalized oral hygiene instructions and deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) by sextants, usually under local anesthesia. In advanced cases, we recommend periodontal surgery or regeneration. After the active phase, we schedule periodic maintenance, which is essential for preventing relapses over time.

Recovery time

After root planing and scaling, the gums may feel more sensitive, and a slight recession may be observed as the swelling subsides, which is to be expected. Sensitivity to cold may increase for 1–2 weeks and can be managed with special toothpastes. The return to normal life is immediate. Periodontal surgery requires 5–7 days of special care and a soft diet. We recommend that you refrain from smoking (it is one of the main factors that compromise periodontal outcomes) and follow the recommended oral hygiene routine. Surgical stitches are usually removed after 7–10 days.

Expected Results

The results of periodontal treatment are visible within 6–8 weeks: pinker gums, no bleeding, shallower periodontal pockets, and improved daily oral hygiene. Bleeding when brushing, bad breath, and the sensation of swelling disappear in most cases. Long-term stability depends on periodontal maintenance every 3–6 months, depending on the patient’s risk level and level of commitment. When clinically indicated, bone regeneration restores some of the lost bone support, improving the prognosis for the affected teeth.

Duration of treatment

The active phase of periodontal treatment typically requires 2–4 sessions over the course of 4–6 weeks. Periodontal surgeries, when necessary, are scheduled after the initial response. The follow-up visit takes place 2–3 months later. After that, maintenance visits are scheduled every 3–6 months. Periodontal treatment isn’t a one-time procedure: it’s a long-term commitment to the health of your gums and, therefore, to the longevity of your teeth and implants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics

Periodontics treats diseases of the gums and the bone that supports the teeth (gingivitis and periodontitis). It is essential because periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At Clínica Birbe in Barcelona, we focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, with close follow-up to help you preserve your teeth in the long term.

Bleeding while brushing, persistent bad breath, swollen or receding gums, sensitivity, loose teeth, or the appearance of gaps between the teeth. If you notice any of these signs, we recommend that you have a periodontal evaluation. Early detection makes it possible to halt the disease before it compromises the stability of the teeth.

Initially, through deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and improved oral hygiene. In advanced cases, periodontal surgery, bone regeneration, or laser treatments may be required. The plan is always tailored to the individual and includes follow-up visits every 3–6 months to prevent relapses. Consistency is key.

Yes. Untreated periodontitis compromises the longevity of implants (peri-implantitis) and has been linked to complications during pregnancy and cardiovascular disease. Early treatment is essential. If you are planning a pregnancy, undergoing implant-based dental restoration, or have diabetes, we recommend a preliminary periodontal examination in Barcelona.

Dr. Joan Birbe: Periodontics at an ABOMS-certified center

Periodontal health is the foundation of any serious dental treatment: without healthy gums, implants and restorations are at risk. At Clínica Birbe, periodontics is provided by a team led by an ABOMS-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, ensuring a thorough diagnosis and a treatment plan that integrates oral hygiene, basic therapy, and, if necessary, periodontal surgery.

Why Choose Clínica Birbe for Your Periodontal Treatment?

Healthy gums support the rest of the dental work. Treating them early prevents tooth loss and long-term problems.
• Comprehensive periodontal examination, including probing and periapical X-rays.
• Basic therapy involving scaling and root planing tailored to each individual case.
• Periodontal surgery, when necessary, performed in our own operating room.
• Regular periodontal maintenance to prevent relapses.
• Coordination with the implantology team when planning a subsequent restoration.

→ Schedule an appointment at Clínica Birbe Barcelona and take care of your gums before it’s too late.

Real cases of dental veneers at Birbe Clinic

Clinical case of dental veneers

Clinical case of dental veneers

Luis came to Birbe Clinic with the desire to improve the aesthetics of his smile. It had some asymmetry in the upper incisors and different shades of color, some of them very dark, which generated an aged appearance.

Clinical case of dental veneers

Clinical case of dental veneers

Ingrid wanted to improve the shade and alignment of her teeth, which were affected by staining, cracks and small fractures of the incisal edges. Her goal was to regain a bright, natural smile that reflected her personality and did not clash with her age.

Clinical case of dental veneers

Clinical case of dental veneers

Oscar was looking for a cosmetic solution that would complement his facial features and enhance his smile, which was marred by discolored teeth resulting from taking tetracycline antibiotics as a child, receding gums, and unevenness in his front and lower teeth.

Clinical case of dental veneers

Clinical case of dental veneers

Alejandra came to us with a clear objective: to improve her smile without making it look artificial. His case presented microdiastemas, dull tone and slight misalignments.

Testimonials

We are collecting verified testimonials from our patients

We want this section to feature real and diverse experiences from patients treated at Clínica Birbe. If you have been a patient and would like to share your experience, please write to us: your feedback helps us improve and provides guidance to other patients who are considering this treatment.


Share My Experience

Latest News

We help you to perform the intervention you need

After a rigorous evaluation, we offer you a personalized and closed budget with all the necessary forms of payment and financing, so that you can carry it out.

Our recommendations

Contact
with us

Contact us during our business hours:

  • Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00h to 19:00h.
  • Phone: +34 93 212 47 37

Outside our working hours you can send us a WhatsApp or a form and we will get back to you the next business day. Being located in Barcelona, we receive patients from all over the national and international territory.

During your first consultation we will provide you with:

✔ Personal diagnosis by oral and facial examination.

✔ Closed budget with different financing financing possibilities.

    The data you provide will be processed by the Data Controller. This communication will be used exclusively to process your data in order to respond to your request, always in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of April 27, 2016 (GDPR), Organic Law 3/2018 of December 5 (LOPDGDD), and other applicable legal regulations regarding the protection of personal data. Your information will not be disclosed to third parties, except where required by law, and will be retained until you request its deletion.
    You may exercise your rights of access, rectification, data portability, and objection—or, where applicable, the right to restrict and/or delete your personal data—at any time by sending a written request, including your personal information, to C/ Lincoln 29, 08006, Barcelona – Phone: 932124737 (Barcelona) or by email to clinica@birbe.org

    Phone icon
    Call / Llama
    Contact/Contacta
    WhatsApp icon
    WhatsApp
    logo-birbe-whatsapp
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.