October 16, 2026/
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What a teeth filling costs in Dubai, composite vs glass ionomer vs amalgam vs inlays, what affects the price, insurance...
Quick answer: A periodontist is a dentist with extra specialist training in the gums and the bone that holds your teeth. At Smile On Dental Clinic in Al Satwa, gum care is led by Dr. Vineetha Varughese (BDS, MDS), a specialist periodontist practising in the UAE since 2018. She treats bleeding gums, gum disease, receding gums and loose teeth, using deep cleaning, laser care and gum surgery where needed. Call or WhatsApp +971 55 896 1826 or book a gum assessment.
Gum problems are among the most common dental issues in Dubai, and among the most underdiagnosed. Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel loose are not just cosmetic concerns. They are signs that the structures supporting your teeth, the gums, ligaments, and bone, may be under attack from bacterial infection.
At Smile On Dental Clinic in Al Satwa, Dubai, periodontal treatment is managed by a specialist with focused training in diagnosing and treating gum disease at every stage. This page explains what periodontics involves, which conditions are treated, what the treatment process looks like, and what patients across Dubai and Jumeirah can expect from specialist periodontal care.
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and the conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and jaw bone. A periodontist is a dental specialist who has completed additional postgraduate training beyond general dentistry, specifically in managing these structures.
The scope of periodontics covers a wide range of conditions and treatments:
The difference between seeing a periodontist and a general dentist for gum problems is the depth of specialist knowledge and the range of advanced treatments available. General dentists manage early-stage gum disease routinely, but moderate to severe periodontitis, surgical gum treatment, and complex cases require the precision and experience of a trained specialist.
Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, which is why many patients do not seek treatment until the condition is already well advanced. Knowing the warning signs is the first step toward getting the right care before irreversible bone or tooth loss occurs.
You should book a periodontal consultation at Smile On Dental Clinic if you are experiencing any of the following:
You should also see a periodontist if you have a systemic condition like diabetes, as gum disease and blood sugar control have a well-documented relationship and each can make the other harder to manage. Smokers are also at significantly higher risk of severe periodontitis and benefit from specialist monitoring.
Smile On Dental Clinic offers a complete range of periodontal treatments at the Al Satwa clinic in Dubai. Each treatment plan is tailored to the stage and severity of the patient’s condition.
Scaling and Root Planing: Also called deep cleaning, this is the first-line treatment for moderate gum disease. Unlike a standard teeth cleaning that addresses the surface of the teeth above the gum line, scaling and root planing goes below the gum line to remove hardened bacterial deposits, called calculus or tartar, from the root surfaces. The roots are then smoothed to help the gum tissue reattach and prevent bacteria from accumulating again. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and is typically completed in two to four appointments depending on the severity of the condition.
Laser Gum Treatment: Laser gum treatment uses a precisely calibrated dental laser to remove infected gum tissue and eliminate bacteria from periodontal pockets without the need for conventional cutting. Compared to traditional gum surgery, laser treatment results in less bleeding, less post-treatment discomfort, and a faster recovery. It is particularly useful for patients with moderate to severe gum disease who want a minimally invasive approach. Laser care is part of our gum disease treatment programme.
Gum Disease Treatment: For patients with advanced periodontitis where non-surgical methods alone are not sufficient, the clinic offers a structured gum disease treatment programme. This may include a combination of deep cleaning, laser therapy, antimicrobial treatment, and a tailored maintenance schedule to stabilise the condition and prevent further bone loss. See our gum disease treatment page for the full programme.
Gum Depigmentation: Dark or uneven gum pigmentation is a common concern, particularly among patients with naturally higher melanin levels. Gum depigmentation at Smile On Dental Clinic uses laser technology to remove the pigmented cells from the surface of the gum tissue, resulting in a more uniform pink appearance. The procedure is minimally invasive, and results are typically long-lasting. Read more about gum depigmentation in Dubai.
Gummy Smile Treatment: When excess gum tissue covers too much of the tooth surface, the teeth appear short and the smile looks gum-heavy. Gummy smile treatment at the clinic reshapes the gum line through laser or surgical contouring, revealing more of the tooth and improving the overall proportion of the smile. Read more about gummy smile treatment in Dubai.
Periodontal Maintenance: Patients who have been treated for gum disease require ongoing professional monitoring and cleaning to prevent recurrence. Periodontal maintenance appointments at Smile On Dental Clinic are scheduled at intervals specific to each patient’s risk level, typically every three to four months in the first year following active treatment.
Match what you are noticing to what it usually means. Your periodontist confirms the cause with a gum check and X-rays before any treatment starts.
| What you notice | What it usually means | Usual treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Gums bleed when you brush | Gingivitis, early gum inflammation | A professional teeth cleaning and better home care. Fully reversible. |
| Bleeding that keeps coming back, bad breath, puffy gums | Early periodontitis, with pockets forming under the gum | Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) over two to four visits |
| Teeth look longer or feel sensitive near the gum | Gum recession | Treat the cause first, then a gum graft if the root stays exposed |
| Loose or shifting teeth | Advanced periodontitis with bone loss | Deep cleaning, then flap surgery or bone regeneration where needed, sometimes splinting |
| Dark patches on the gums | Natural pigmentation, not disease | Laser gum depigmentation |
| Gums cover too much of your teeth | Gummy smile | Gum contouring or crown lengthening |
| Sore or bleeding gum around an implant | Peri-implantitis | Cleaning around the implant, local antibiotics and sometimes surgery |
Gums can pull back because of brushing too hard, gum disease, teeth grinding or naturally thin gums. The first step is finding and stopping the cause. If a root stays exposed and sensitive, or the gum keeps moving back, a gum graft can cover it.
A small piece of tissue, usually from the roof of the mouth, or a graft material is placed over the exposed root and stitched in place. It protects the root, eases sensitivity and stops further recession. Most people are back at work the next day, and the area settles over two to three weeks.
When the pockets around your teeth are too deep for deep cleaning alone, the gum is gently lifted back so the roots and bone can be cleaned directly, then stitched snugly back around the teeth. It is done under local anaesthetic. Where bone has been lost, Dr. Vineetha Varughese can add bone graft material or a membrane (guided tissue regeneration) in the same visit.
Not sure which applies to you? A gum assessment shows exactly what is going on. You can also read the warning signs of gum disease.
Specialist Periodontist, Not a General Dentist: Periodontal care at Smile On Dental Clinic is managed by a specialist with dedicated postgraduate training in gum disease diagnosis and treatment. This matters because moderate to severe gum disease requires a level of clinical judgment and technical skill that goes well beyond routine dental care. Patients referred for specialist care, or those who have had gum disease return after previous treatment, benefit directly from seeing someone whose entire clinical focus is periodontics. At Smile On, that specialist is Dr. Vineetha Varughese (BDS, MDS).
Laser Technology for Minimally Invasive Treatment: The clinic uses dental laser technology for gum treatment, depigmentation, and gummy smile correction. Laser procedures cause less bleeding, less tissue trauma, and faster recovery compared to conventional surgical approaches. For patients who are apprehensive about gum surgery, laser treatment is a meaningful clinical advantage.
Comprehensive Treatment Under One Roof: Periodontal treatment often intersects with other areas of dental care. A patient with gum disease may also need restorative work, implants, or cosmetic treatment once the gums are healthy. At Smile On Dental Clinic in Al Satwa, the full spectrum of dental care is available in one clinic, which means the periodontal specialist and the wider clinical team can coordinate treatment without the patient needing to attend multiple practices.
Accessible Location for Dubai and Jumeirah Patients: The clinic is centrally located in Al Satwa, easily reachable from Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown Dubai, and DIFC. Parking is available, and the clinic accommodates same-day appointments for patients with acute gum pain or swelling where clinically possible.
Transparent Treatment Planning and Pricing: After a full periodontal assessment, including probing depths, X-rays, and clinical charting, you receive a clear treatment plan with costs outlined before any procedure begins. If treatment is needed across multiple appointments, the full scope and cost are communicated at the outset.
The cost of periodontal treatment in Dubai depends on the stage of gum disease, the number of teeth affected, and the type of treatment required. Here is what affects the pricing:
As a general market reference in Dubai, scaling and root planing fees range from AED 300 to AED 600 per quadrant. Laser gum treatment costs vary depending on the extent of treatment required. Cosmetic gum procedures are priced following a consultation assessment.
Smile On Dental Clinic accepts major insurance plans and can confirm what your policy covers during the initial consultation.Instalment options may be available for patients requiring extensive treatment.
Dr. Vineetha Varughese (BDS, MDS) is the specialist periodontist at Smile On Dental Clinic in Al Satwa. She is a graduate of Meenakshi Ammal University in Chennai and has been practising in the UAE since 2018.
Her work covers the full range of gum care: deep cleaning and root planing, local antibiotic delivery, splinting loose teeth, flap surgery, bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration, gingivectomy, crown lengthening, frenectomy, laser treatment, gum depigmentation and care of the gums around dental implants.
She works alongside the rest of the clinical team, so if you need an implant, a crown or cosmetic work once your gums are healthy, it is all planned together in one place.
Gum Disease Treatment Dubai: Our dedicated gum disease treatment page covers the full clinical approach to managing periodontitis at Smile On Dental Clinic, including what the treatment programme involves and how long recovery takes.
Gummy Smile Treatment Dubai: How gum contouring and crown lengthening show more of your teeth, who it suits and what recovery looks like.
Signs of Gum Disease: The warning signs to watch for and when a periodontist visit is overdue.
Gum Depigmentation Dubai: If dark or uneven gum pigmentation is a concern, this page explains how laser depigmentation works at Smile On Dental Clinic, how long the results last, and what the procedure involves.
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A periodontist is a dental specialist with additional postgraduate training focused entirely on the gums, periodontal ligament, and supporting bone structures around the teeth. A general dentist manages early-stage gum disease routinely but refers more complex or advanced cases to a specialist. If your gum disease is moderate to severe, if it has returned after previous treatment, or if you need surgical or laser gum intervention, a periodontist provides a significantly higher level of specialist care than a general practitioner.
Gum disease is treatable, and in most cases, progression can be stopped and the condition stabilised with the right treatment. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) causes bone loss that cannot be regenerated in most cases, but specialist periodontal treatment can halt further deterioration and preserve the remaining bone and teeth. The key is getting treatment before the disease reaches a stage where tooth loss becomes unavoidable.
The most common signs of gum disease include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath that does not go away with brushing, gums that look red or swollen rather than firm and pink, teeth that feel loose, or gums that have pulled back from the teeth making them look longer. In many cases, gum disease causes no pain at all in its early stages, which is why regular dental checkups that include gum assessments are important. If you have any of these signs, book a periodontal consultation at Smile On Dental Clinic in Al Satwa, Dubai.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacterial deposits from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach. It is carried out under local anaesthesia, so the procedure itself should not be painful. Patients may experience some tenderness and sensitivity in the treated area for a few days afterward, which is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients find the procedure far more comfortable than they expected.
This depends on the extent and severity of the gum disease. Scaling and root planing is typically completed across two to four appointments, treating one or two sections of the mouth per visit to allow for adequate anaesthesia and thorough cleaning. Laser gum treatment timelines vary depending on how many teeth are involved. After active treatment is complete, periodontal maintenance appointments are scheduled every three to four months in the first year to monitor healing and prevent recurrence. Your periodontist at Smile On Dental Clinic will give you a clear treatment timeline at the first consultation.
Yes. Advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, destroys the bone and ligament that hold the teeth in place. As bone loss progresses, teeth become loose and eventually cannot be maintained. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults worldwide. The good news is that catching and treating it early, before significant bone loss has occurred, prevents this outcome in the vast majority of cases. If you have been told you have bone loss around your teeth, specialist periodontal care at Smile On Dental Clinic can assess how much is remaining and what treatment will stabilise the situation.
For many patients, yes. Laser gum treatment removes infected tissue and bacteria with greater precision and causes less bleeding, less post-treatment swelling, and a faster recovery than conventional scalpel-based gum surgery. It is particularly well suited to patients who are anxious about surgical procedures or who need to return to normal activities quickly. However, the best approach depends on the individual case. Some situations require conventional surgery for optimal results. Your periodontist at Smile On Dental Clinic will recommend the most appropriate treatment after a full assessment.
Smile On Dental Clinic is located in Al Satwa, directly accessible from Jumeirah and surrounding areas including Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown Dubai, and DIFC. The clinic’s periodontal specialist sees patients for consultations and treatment at the Al Satwa clinic. Same-day appointments are available for patients with acute gum pain or swelling where clinically possible.
First, the cause is found and treated, whether that is gum disease, brushing too hard or grinding. Receded gum does not grow back on its own, but a gum graft can cover an exposed root, reduce sensitivity and stop the recession getting worse.
Flap surgery lifts the gum back so deep pockets and roots can be cleaned properly, then the gum is stitched back in place. It is done under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Expect some tenderness for a few days, managed with regular pain relief.
Not always, but bleeding is the most common early sign. It can also come from brushing too hard, a new flossing routine, pregnancy or some medicines. If your gums bleed for more than a week or two, book a gum check.
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