Treatment to manage and maintain gum health
Your gum health is essential to your overall oral wellbeing. Your gums and jawbone provide crucial support to your teeth, but this can be compromised by gum disease and the more severe progressive form, periodontitis. If you are worried about your gum health, please contact us, we have over 10 years of experience and can offer advice and a periodontal assessment.
Receive a full periodontal assessment for £79.
Our experienced team
We have been treating people with different stages of gum disease for over 10 years. Our patients’ satisfaction, comfort and oral health are always our top priority. If you book in to see us, you will be seen by our dental therapist, Nicole Parnell, or our dental hygienist, Mansoor Sadaat. Our staff are registered with the General Dental Council and have the necessary qualifications to give you the professional care you deserve.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a condition caused by the immune system reacting to the presence of bacteria in plaque deposits on your teeth. Plaque builds up because of food debris attracting bacteria. Regular brushing removes most of the plaque that builds up during the day, but some areas are hard to reach, particularly around the gum line and between the teeth. These plaque deposits irritate the gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed.
This stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. The symptoms include swollen and red gums, bleeding gums, sensitivity to temperature, and halitosis.
If left untreated, the gums start to recede as the tissue breaks down. This forms pockets between the gum and tooth, creating vulnerable areas for bacteria to enter. This more destructive stage is periodontitis and can be controlled through maintenance. If left to continue, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
How can gum disease be treated?
Prevention is always better than cure, but gum disease can be treated and controlled. At the early stage, we can solve the condition with regular visits to the hygienist. Great interdental cleaning at home will also do much to keep gums clear of the disease.
Hygienists carry out a thorough assessment to track and treat signs of gum disease. They also clean the teeth with a scale and polish, removing stubborn tartar from areas that are hard to reach with a conventional toothbrush.
What is periodontal treatment?
Treatment for periodontitis involves a combination of in-surgery and at-home care. Professional treatment in our practice can be built upon with an excellent regular hygiene routine at home. We can remove the bacteria and plaque with a scaling and root planing procedure, reaching below the gum line to smooth the tooth roots, promote healing and help the gums reattach. We use local anaesthetic to minimise any discomfort during this process.
If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to reduced function of your mouth and even tooth loss. Symptoms include swollen and bleeding gums, bad breath and loose teeth, so it is important to see your dentist if you notice any of these. At this stage, the condition cannot be reversed, but can be managed with careful treatment, ensuring the level of disease is maintained and any further damage is prevented.
Oral surgery and other gum treatments
In some cases, oral surgery may be necessary to reshape severely damaged gum tissue and reduce the depth of the pockets around the teeth that allow bacteria to collect. We can also perform a gum graft procedure to help regenerate lost bone and gum tissue. Gum surgery can also address a gummy smile, elongating the crowns of the teeth.
Periodontal treatment may cause some discomfort, but we use local anaesthetic to minimise any pain. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness or sensitivity, but this can usually be managed with over the counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, and does not last long.
The length of time needed for periodontal treatment depends on the severity of each case and the type of treatment needed. Generally, the procedure can take anywhere from one to several appointments.
After the treatment, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and follow your dentist’s instructions for post-treatment care. This may include using a mouthwash, avoiding certain foods, and scheduling regular follow-up appointments to monitor the health of your gums and teeth.
Gingivitis is a term used to describe the inflammation of gums. It is the first stage of gum disease, where the gums become red and swollen and may bleed when brushing your teeth.
Periodontitis is a deeper form of gum disease that affects the bone supporting the teeth. Left untreated, periodontitis may eventually result in teeth having to be extracted, as some of the bone is lost and teeth become loose. You can prevent periodontal disease from getting worse by maintaining a good dental care routine and making regular visits to your dentist or hygienist.
You should visit your dentist for an examination, so that they can check your teeth and gums and prescribe what treatment is required. Usually, the dentist will illustrate how to clean your teeth effectively in order to remove all of the plaque.
Dentists also recommend using a small-headed toothbrush with ’rounded’ bristles, so that it doesn’t cause any damage to your gums. Brushing alone will not remove all the plaque from in between your teeth. Using dental floss is extremely useful here. Your dentist or hygienist is best placed to advise you on which cleaning methods are best for you.
Yes, gum diseases can be treated and managed, but complete cure depends on the severity of the condition and individual oral health practices. Early stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis, can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. However, more advanced stages like periodontitis may require more intensive treatments, such as scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or in severe cases, surgical intervention. It's crucial to address gum disease promptly, as untreated cases can lead to complications. Regular dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene are essential for preventing and managing gum diseases.
The most effective way to treat gum disease involves a combination of professional dental interventions and consistent at-home oral care. Dental cleanings, such as scaling and root planing, are commonly used to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline. Antibiotics may be prescribed to control bacterial infection. Additionally, maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine, including regular brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash, is crucial for managing gum disease. It's important to seek advice from a dental professional who can tailor the treatment plan to the individual's specific condition and provide guidance on optimal oral health practices. Regular dental check-ups also play a key role in monitoring and managing gum disease effectively.