Bleeding gums, bad breath that does not go away, receding gums or teeth that feel loose are signs of gum disease. Caught early, it can usually be controlled with good cleaning. Left untreated, it is a common reason adults lose teeth. This guide explains when to see a periodontist (gum specialist) in the Klang Valley, what treatment involves and how much it costs.
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What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist with postgraduate specialist training in the gums and the bone that hold the teeth in place. In Malaysia, periodontics is part of the wider field of restorative dentistry. Periodontists treat:
- gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
- receding gums and exposed roots
- loose teeth caused by bone loss
- gum problems around dental implants
- gum shaping before crowns, veneers or implants
Gingivitis vs periodontitis
Gingivitis is early gum inflammation. Gums look red or swollen and bleed when you brush. It is reversible with professional scaling and better daily cleaning.
Periodontitis is more advanced. Plaque and tartar build up below the gumline, the gum pulls away from the tooth to form deep “pockets”, and the bone around the teeth is slowly lost. Bone that is lost does not usually grow back on its own, so early treatment matters.
Signs you should see a gum specialist
- Gums bleed when you brush or floss
- Bad breath or a bad taste that keeps coming back
- Gums look like they are shrinking, or teeth look longer
- Gaps are appearing between your teeth
- Teeth feel loose or your bite feels different
- Pus or swelling around the gums
- You have diabetes or smoke, both of which raise the risk of gum disease
- You have been told you have “deep pockets” or bone loss on an X-ray
Meet our visiting periodontist
Dr Wong Hong Zhang is a periodontist registered on the National Specialist Register. His practice is limited to periodontology: the treatment of gum disease and the tissues that support the teeth and dental implants. He graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery from MAHSA University, then completed a Master of Orofacial Sciences (Periodontology) and a Doctor in Periodontology at MAHSA University. Read his profile.
Dr Wong is a visiting specialist who sees patients across all Qualiteeth branches by appointment.
How gum disease is treated
- Gum assessment (periodontal charting). The depth of the gum pockets around each tooth is measured and X-rays show the bone levels.
- Deep cleaning. Tartar and bacteria are removed from below the gumline and the root surfaces are smoothed, usually under local anaesthetic and over one or more visits.
- Home care plan. You are shown how to clean between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss.
- Review. After a few weeks the gums are measured again to check healing.
- Further treatment if needed. Deep pockets that do not heal may need gum surgery. Receding gums can sometimes be covered with a gum graft.
- Maintenance. Regular gum cleaning, often every 3 to 6 months, keeps the disease under control.
Gum health, diabetes and implants
Gum disease and diabetes are closely linked. Poorly controlled blood sugar makes gum disease worse, and treating gum disease is part of good diabetes care. If you have diabetes, tell your dentist at every visit.
Dental implants can also develop gum and bone problems, called peri-implantitis. If you are planning implants, treating gum disease first improves the outlook.
How much does gum treatment cost?
- Scaling and polishing: from RM80
- Gum assessment, deep cleaning and gum surgery: the cost depends on how many teeth are affected and how deep the pockets are. Your dentist explains the full cost after the gum assessment, before treatment begins.
Related: Gum treatment in KL & Selangor: deep cleaning, gum surgery and grafting
Specialist appointments near you in the Klang Valley
Our specialists visit all Qualiteeth branches by appointment, so you can be seen close to home:
- Kepong & KL North: Kepong (Taman Sri Bintang), Kepong Baru, Desa Aman Puri, Jinjang Selatan
- Selayang, Gombak & Rawang: Selayang, Gombak, Rawang, Anggun City Rawang
- Sungai Buloh & Damansara: Sungai Buloh, Bandar Sri Damansara
- Petaling Jaya & Shah Alam: Aman Suria, PJ, SS3 Taman Universiti, Subang Murni
- Cheras & Serdang: Cheras, Olive Hill, Seri Kembangan
Book an appointment and tell us you would like to see a specialist. The branch will confirm the date on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
When should I see a periodontist instead of a general dentist?
See a periodontist if you have deep gum pockets, bone loss, loose teeth, receding gums, gum disease that keeps coming back after scaling, or gum problems around implants.
Can gum disease be cured?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed. Periodontitis can usually be controlled and stopped from getting worse with treatment and regular maintenance, but lost bone does not usually grow back on its own.
Is deep cleaning uncomfortable?
Deep cleaning is usually done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb. Gums may feel tender for a few days afterwards.
Can loose teeth be saved?
Some loose teeth can be stabilised once gum disease is treated. Your periodontist will assess each tooth and explain which can be kept and which may need replacing.
Is there a periodontist near me in KL or Selangor?
Our visiting periodontist sees patients by appointment at all Qualiteeth branches, including Kepong, Selayang, Rawang, Sungai Buloh, Petaling Jaya, Subang and Cheras.
This article gives general information and is not a diagnosis. Your dentist will advise on suitable treatment after an examination. Prices are starting prices; the full cost is explained before treatment begins.