Periodontics
Gum inflammation is a relatively common issue, one that most of us have likely suffered from at some point in our lives. However, around 10% of the UK population will experience more severe cases of gum disease at some point, which will likely have a considerably negative impact on their lives. If you suspect you may be suffering from periodontitis, it’s important to undergo a professional examination by a dentist so that they can administer any needed treatments.
Here at East Grinstead Smiles, our priority is preventive care. We hope to avoid any severe forms of gum disease by teaching our patients the importance of oral hygiene and sensible dietary choices. However, we also offer a range of effective treatments designed to eliminate periodontitis if necessary.
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Among adults, periodontitis (aka gingivitis) is the most common cause of tooth loss. It generally occurs 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?
It’s not uncommon for periodontitis to go unnoticed until it has significantly worsened. For this reason, it is often referred to as a ‘silent disease’.
It’s crucial that you 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?
Here at East Grinstead Smiles, we not only want to treat your gum disease but also want to ensure that it never occurs again in the future. When it comes to treating periodontitis, our priority is plaque control. Bacteria-filled plaque is the leading cause of gum disease, which is why we want to impress upon all our patients the importance of keeping it at bay. Our team will work with you to enhance your oral hygiene and teach an advanced cleaning technique that will keep your teeth’s bacteria buildup under control.
Whilst plaque is relatively easy to remove by brushing and flossing, the extraction of tartar is not so simple. It may be necessary for your dentist to remove tartar buildup using specialist equipment, which will improve your breath, give you healthier gums, and stabilise your teeth. Your dentist will record your progress to a healthier mouth at regular intervals to assess how well the treatment is working.
WILL I NEED SURGERY?
Your dentist will always attempt to cure your condition using the aforementioned methods. However, if these prove unsuccessful, surgery may be the only answer. This is necessary in cases where the patient has particularly deep gum pockets. The surgery is minor and noninvasive, meaning your mouth will likely heal in as quick as a week. Hopefully, this surgery will restore some of the lost gum and bone around the affected area.
HOW CAN I PREVENT PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE?
Maintaining effective oral hygiene is the most important thing you can do to avoid gum disease. Aside from this, you must not overlook the importance of attending regular dental appointments. After your periodontic treatment is complete, we recommend visiting your dentist once every three months. At these appointments, your dentist can measure your progress and decide whether further treatment is required.
If you’d like to discuss our periodontic treatments with a member of our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
