Periodontics

Periodontal disease, also known as Periodontitis, is the medical term for gum inflammation. This affliction is the primary cause of adult tooth loss, and can also result in bad breath if left untreated.

The cause of inflammation is usually the bacteria within the plaque on the tooth’s surface. Should one neglect to treat periodontal disease, the gums, bones and other supporting tissues can be affected. A pocket can form between the tooth root and the gum, where bacteria may proliferate and calculus can develop.

Periodontitis is sometimes referred to as ‘the silent disease’, as sufferers are often oblivious to their symptoms until the advanced stages of the condition. The symptoms vary from person to person, but may include:

• Gum swelling and reddening
• Bleeding gums when brushing
• Loose teeth
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Bad breath

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Here at Reigate Smiles, our specialists are highly experienced in treating periodontal disease. They can decide on the treatment according to the severity of the disease.

The treatment focuses on plaque control, as dental plaque is the main contributor to gum disease. By improving oral hygiene and cleaning the teeth roots, thereby removing plaque and tartar from under the gums, the gum pocket is cleaned and periodontitis can improve.

Our specialists will inform you on how to routinely clean plaque from above the gum level and around the teeth during your initial consultation. Any tartar will be removed by a dentist or hygienist. During the treatment process, the team at Reigate Smiles will record how you are removing the plaque from your teeth, which will give you firmer gums, less mobile teeth and fresher breath.

We will also assess the response of your gums after several weeks of healing. This will determine the treatment’s success and whether any more is required.

Periodontal surgery may be necessary where gum pockets are particularly deep. Typically, this occurs around the molar teeth, but it is not exclusive to these areas. While we will always try and avoid surgery where possible, the need for surgery will depend on the success of the initial phase. It can sometimes be possible to regrow some of the lost gum and bone through a small, straightforward surgical procedure. Healing from gum surgery is generally quite fast, with most patients returning to normal within a week.

We refer to the post-treatment period as the prevention and maintenance phase. During this phase, you will need to attend hygienist appointments once every three months for the first year. Your hygienist will review the progress of your gum disease, which will determine whether any re-treatment of resistant areas is necessary.