PERIODONTICS

Periodontal Disease or Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gum, i.e. the tissue holding the tooth. It is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. The gums may become inflamed due to the bacteria contained in the plaque on the tooth’s surface. If left untreated, it can lead to bad breath and, eventually, tooth loss. It can affect the gums, bones and other supporting tissues of your teeth.

People are often unaware they have it until the advanced stages, so this condition is often labelled the silent disease. Although signs and symptoms are highly varied, 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

At Caterham Smiles, our specialists can treat Periodontitis. The severity of the disease can vary, and we will always recommend the best course of treatment. We focus the treatment around plaque control as plaque is a principal cause of gum disease. We help you improve oral hygiene, and we also look at the way you clean your teeth. Removing plaque and tartar from under the gums is especially important.

Our Specialists will help you develop the skills required to routinely clean plaque from above the gum level and around all the teeth. During your initial consultation, we will show you this. However, tartar must be professionally removed by one of our dentists or hygienists. The benefits of this will include fresher breath, more durable gums and less movable teeth. During this treatment phase, we then record how well you are removing plaque from your teeth. After 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.

If your gum pockets are deep, often the case around the molar (back) teeth, periodontal (or gum) surgery may be required. However, our Specialists will try to avoid the need for surgery. We will assess your response to this treatment throughout the initial phase and then decide if surgery is necessary depending upon the success. Gum surgery is a straightforward procedure, and the healing is relatively rapid (generally within a week). It can also be possible to regenerate some of the lost gum and bone around the teeth through a minor surgical procedure.

Once your active treatment has been completed, it will be essential for you to see the Dental Hygienist regularly to maintain your oral health and prevent any further problems from arising. Research and recommendation from us that one Hygienist appointment every three months for the first year. Your Hygienist will keep the progress of your gum disease under close review as sometimes re-treatment of a resistant area is required.