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Periodontics is the dental specialty dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the tissues that support the teeth: gums, periodontal ligament, root cementum, and alveolar bone.
Periodontal disease advances silently. Bleeding during brushing, receding gums, or the sensation that teeth have “grown” are warning signs that many patients normalize for years. When they finally visit the dentist, the bone damage is sometimes already irreversible. Acting in time makes the difference between keeping your teeth and losing them.
At Asensio Dental Clinic, Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero (Registration No. 46002287) leads a team specialized in periodontics and periodontal plastic surgery. The first visit is completely free and includes a diagnosis with digital orthopantomography and a 3D scanner.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that progressively destroys the bone and tissues that hold teeth in place. It begins as gingivitis —a superficial inflammation of the gums, reversible with treatment— and can progress to periodontitis when the infection reaches the alveolar bone and begins to destroy it. This bone destruction is irreversible without specialized intervention.
The direct cause is the accumulation of bacterial plaque which, if not properly removed, mineralizes into tartar (calculus). Tartar builds up between the gum and the tooth, creating periodontal pockets —spaces where bacteria proliferate beyond the reach of a toothbrush— which progressively deepen, destroying the supporting bone. Factors that accelerate this destruction include smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, genetic predisposition, and chronic stress.
Periodontal bacteria are not limited to the mouth: they can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums and affect organs such as the heart, kidneys, and pancreas. Periodontal disease is consistently associated in scientific literature with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, premature birth, and low birth weight. Treating periodontitis is not just about saving teeth: it is about protecting the patient’s general health.
Symptoms of periodontal disease
The main problem with periodontitis is that it can be painless for years, leading many patients to underestimate it. Symptoms that should alert you include bleeding gums when brushing or eating; swelling, redness, or changes in gum color; the sensation of “longer” teeth due to gingival recession; tooth mobility —teeth moving when pressed with the tongue—; the appearance of gaps between teeth that did not exist before; persistent bad breath that does not improve with standard hygiene; and pain when chewing in advanced stages.
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult our other dental treatments in Valencia section to see the full range of available specialties.
Periodontal treatment in Valencia
Periodontal treatment is structured in progressive phases depending on the severity of the disease. The initial phase consists of personalized oral hygiene instruction and scaling and root planing —subgingival debridement— which removes tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces within the periodontal pockets. This phase is performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and may require several sessions depending on the extent of the condition.
After the initial phase, a re-evaluation is performed to measure the response to treatment. In cases where deep pockets persist and do not respond to scaling, periodontal surgery is used —such as access flaps, guided bone regeneration, or connective tissue grafts— which allows direct access to the bone to regenerate lost tissues. Periodic periodontal maintenance —every 3 to 6 months— is essential to prevent relapses, as periodontitis tends to reactivate if plaque control is not rigorous.
For patients who also require conscious sedation during periodontal treatment, we have our own anesthesiologist providing nitrous oxide to guarantee maximum comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Periodontics
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Periodontitis has no “cure” in the sense that lost bone does not recover spontaneously, but it does have effective treatments that stop its progression and stabilize the condition. With proper periodontal treatment and correct maintenance, teeth can be preserved for many years. Guided bone regeneration techniques allow, in some cases, the recovery of part of the lost bone.
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
Scaling and root planing are always performed under local anesthesia, so it does not hurt during the session. Afterwards, there may be tooth sensitivity and gum discomfort for 2–3 days, which is easily managed with pain relievers. For patients with high sensitivity or anxiety, we offer the option of additional conscious sedation.
How often should periodontal check-ups be performed?
Once periodontitis has been treated, periodontal maintenance is performed every 3 to 6 months depending on the patient’s individual risk. This interval is shorter than a conventional dental check-up because the goal is to detect and treat any reactivation of the disease before it causes new bone destruction.