Periodontics
Periodontics is the dental speciality focusing exclusively on the inflammatory disease that destroys the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. Gum inflammation is a relatively common issue, but around 10% of the UK population will experience more severe cases of gum disease at some point, which will likely negatively impact their lives. If you think you may be suffering from periodontitis, it’s important to take a trip to the dentist to get a professional examination so that they can administer any needed treatments.
We hope to avoid any severe forms of gum disease by teaching our patients the importance of oral hygiene and sensible dietary choices. However, if you have periodontal problems that require treatment, we can help with effective treatments available here at Guildford Smiles!
We hope to avoid any severe forms of gum disease by teaching our patients the importance of oral hygiene and sensible dietary choices. However, if you have periodontal problems that require treatment, we can help with effective treatments available here at Guildford Smiles!
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Periodontitis (aka gingivitis) is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults. There are a few reasons it can occur, these being due to a lack of oral hygiene, a hereditary disposition or poor dietary choices. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to a buildup of bacteria on the surface of your teeth, which in turn creates plaque and inflammation.
ARE THERE ANY SIGNS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE I CAN LOOK OUT FOR?
Periodontitis will usually go unnoticed until it has significantly worsened. For this reason, it is often referred to as a ‘silent disease’.
You must keep an eye out for tell-tale signs of gingivitis. Some common ones include:
- Make your face more symmetrical.
- Straighten misaligned or crooked teeth.
- Reverse discolouration and give you a shiny white smile.
- Fill any gaps with replacement teeth.
- Repair damaged teeth.
- Improve your facial structure.
- Eliminate your gummy grin.
- Correct tooth spacing.
- Plus loads more!
IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE TREATABLE?
Guildford Smiles not only wants to treat your gum disease but also ensure it never occurs again in the future. We focus on plaque control when treating periodontitis. Bacteria-filled plaque is the leading cause of gum disease, so we want to explain to all our patients the importance of keeping it at bay. We have an expert team who will work hard with you to help teach you advanced cleaning techniques to help keep your teeth’s bacteria build-up under control.
Whilst plaque is relatively easy to remove by brushing and flossing, the extraction of tartar is more complicated. Your dentist might need to remove tartar build-up by using specialist equipment. This process will improve your breath, give you healthier gums, and stabilise your teeth. Your dentist will regularly check and record your progress to a healthier mouth to assess how well the treatment is working.
Whilst plaque is relatively easy to remove by brushing and flossing, the extraction of tartar is more complicated. Your dentist might need to remove tartar build-up by using specialist equipment. This process will improve your breath, give you healthier gums, and stabilise your teeth. Your dentist will regularly check and record your progress to a healthier mouth to assess how well the treatment is working.
WILL I NEED SURGERY?
Your dentist will always attempt to cure your condition using the methods mentioned above. However, if these prove unsuccessful, surgery could be the only answer to treat the condition. This is necessary in cases where the patient has particularly deep gum pockets. The surgery is very minor and non-invasive, and your mouth will likely heal within a week. This surgery should restore some of the lost gum and bone around the affected area.
HOW CAN I PREVENT PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE?
Correct and thorough oral hygiene is the best way to avoid gum disease. You should also attend regular dental appointments. These appointments will help your teeth stay in the best condition they can and allow your dentist to track your oral health and quickly notice any changes. Once your treatment has been completed, we recommend you visit your dentist once every three months. Your dentist will check the progress and decide whether further treatment is required.
Please get in touch with us today here at Guildford Smiles to discuss periodontic treatments with our expert and friendly team.
Please get in touch with us today here at Guildford Smiles to discuss periodontic treatments with our expert and friendly team.
