PERIODONTICS

Periodontal Disease or Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gum, i.e. the tissue holding the tooth. If left untreated, it can lead to bad breath and eventually, tooth loss, and it is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults.

Gums may become inflamed due to the bacteria contained in the plaque on the surface of the tooth. If it is left untreated, it can affect the gums, bones and other supporting tissues of the teeth. It leads to a pocket forming between the root of the tooth and the gum where bacteria can quickly proliferate, and calculus develop.

This condition is often labelled the silent disease as many people are unaware they have it until the advanced stages. While the signs and symptoms are extremely variable, they may include:

• Reddening and swelling of the gums
• Gums that bleed on brushing together
• Loose teeth
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Bad breath

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis is treated at Wallington Smiles by one of our Specialists. Because of differences in the severity of the disease, only they can decide what treatment is needed.

Since dental plaque is the principal cause of gum disease, treatment is focused on plaque control. This is achieved through improved oral hygiene and the cleaning of the teeth and their roots to remove plaque and tartar from under the gums. The final objective of any treatment is to clean the gum pocket.

During your initial consultation with one of our Specialists, they will help you develop the skills required to routinely clean plaque from above the gum level and around all the teeth. Tartar must be professionally removed by one of our dentists or hygienists. During this treatment phase, we record how well you are removing plaque from your teeth. The benefits will include fresher breath, with firmer gums and less mobile teeth. After an interval of several weeks of healing, we assess the response of your gums. This reassessment appointment is critical as it is then that we can determine how successful our therapy has been and whether further treatment will be required.

Where gum pockets are deep, periodontal (or gum) surgery may be required. This is often the case around the molar (back) teeth but is not limited to these areas. All of our Specialists will try to avoid the need for surgery, but whether or not we achieve this is dependent upon the success of the initial phase. Sometimes it is possible to regenerate some of the lost gum and bone around the teeth through a small surgical procedure. Gum surgery is a straightforward procedure and healing is quite rapid (generally within a week).

Prevention and Maintenance Phase – After your active treatment has been successfully completed, it will be necessary for you to see the Dental Hygienist regularly. Research has shown that the ideal interval is one appointment every three months for the first year. Sometimes re-treatment of a resistant area is required. Your Hygienist will keep the progress of your gum disease under close review.