Advanced gum treatment
Gum disease can be thought of in two groups.
The first is gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis affects 80 per cent of adults and some 50 per cent of teenagers in the UK. It is a reversible condition and in most cases can be managed by improving your home hygiene regime with help from your dentist and hygienist.
The second is periodontitis, which affects the supporting tissues of the teeth. Periodontitis is a major cause of tooth loss in adults and can get worse without appropriate treatment.
This advanced gum disease affects approximately 10 per cent of the population, so it is relatively common, although its severity varies among individuals. Unfortunately most people do not know they have periodontitis until it has reached an advanced stage and the supporting tissues around the teeth are seriously compromised.
Julie’s Story
“When I first saw my smile it was very emotional – it was an amazing feeling, really amazing. I’m a lot more confident now. My teeth were black and broken, now I keep smiling”
Click here to read Julies story and see before and after pictures.
Or call us directly on:
01284 755631
Expert care
Advanced cases require expert care and Guildhall Dental’s Dr Bryan Colborn is able to offer procedures that are generally outside the scope and expertise of most dentists and hygienists. He provides this service for our patients in addition to receiving referrals from surrounding practices.
His role is to assess the level of risk and to diagnose and manage cases of periodontitis. Our aim is to improve the health of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth, stabilise advanced gum disease and prevent tooth loss. Added benefits, apart from a healthier and cleaner mouth, are the prevention of dental decay due to the improved level of oral hygiene, and fresher breath.
FAQs
What should I do if I think I have gum disease?
You should seek advice from your Dentist immediately if you feel you have gum disease. If left untreated it can become severe leading to tooth loss. There are a variety of ways periodontists can treat periodontal disease. Following further in-depth training, periodontists receive up to three additional years of specialised training in both surgical and non-surgical periodontal procedures to treat gum disease. Periodontists are also experts in replacing missing teeth with dental implants.
Why is dental hygiene important?
With the correct at-home care techniques combined with regular visits to a Hygienist or Periodontist, periodontal disease can be preventable. It’s also important to emphasise that hygiene therapy may reduce the risk of developing several serious medical conditions as some research has suggested a link between gum disease and arthritis, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and problems with pregnancy such as premature births and low birth-weight babies. If you would like help or advice on your oral hygiene, please contact us for more information.
What does treatment involve?
Treatment with our specialist Periodontist involves an initial in-depth consultation to assess your specific requirements. We then quickly commence treatment to control the infection by removing bacterial biofilm, calculus, and toxins from periodontally involved root surfaces. You could then proceed to surgical techniques in order to try and save your teeth. All of our treatments are safe, effective, and come with minimal discomfort. Afterwards you will be returned to your general dentist where we recommend regular hygiene visits to maintain your results.
How can I prevent gum disease in future?
Gum disease is largely preventable with a good daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, flossing and attending regular dental examinations and hygiene appointments with the great team here.
