Periodontics is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders (infections and inflammatory) of the gums and other structures around the teeth.
Gum disease is silent, so it’s important to get a professional to check for signs regularly. As with any disease, if caught early it is much easier treat, with better results.
Healthy gums are pale pink and firm. If yours are red and swollen, you may have gum disease or gingivitis. One of the most common signs is blood on the toothbrush after brushing and often there is bad breath (halitosis) as well. You may notice that your gums bleed when flossing.
Periodontitis and gingivitis can affect anyone at any age. The milder form, gingivitis, is more common. Gingivitis causes bleeding gums but if left untreated may progress to periodonititis.
The accumulation of a surface film of dental plaque (a sticky layer of bacteria) starts the inflammatory process. Inflammation develops and penetrates the soft gum tissues and cause your immune system to respond. This response may cause damage to the tissues supporting the tooth.
If left untreated this gradually progresses, resulting in the destruction of the tooth attachment and the bone around your teeth (periodontitis). This causes the affected teeth to become loose and in some cases move position.
The depth of the space between the neck of the tooth (where the tooth meets the gum) and the base of the gum crevice, along with presence of bleeding indicates if you have a gum problem or not. These spaces are known as ‘pockets’. Healthy gums have small pocket measurements (0-3mm), but in gum disease these pockets can be very deep( 5-10mm or more) and means that special gum treatment is needed. The measurements taken by your dentist or hygienist indicate how severe any existing gum problems are.
BDS (Cardiff) 2018 | GDC No. 278511
Dr Gemma has a keen interest and advanced training in periodontics, including training with leading specialists in Harley Street. Dr Gemma believes that a beautiful smile starts with healthy gums.
Start you journey to healthier gums with your periodontics assessment. This appointment involves a detailed periodontal examination, which measures the position of the gums and determines whether spaces (pockets) have opened up between the gums and the teeth. Additionally, the amount of bleeding, gum recession, and tooth mobility will be assessed. This examination is crucial as it determines the severity and extent of the periodontal (gum) condition.
These appointments mark the beginning of your journey towards optimal gum health by focusing on thorough plaque removal and management of gum disease risk factors.
Once the risk factors have been managed and maintained, advanced treatment can be started.
These appointments are aimed at managing the open pockets around specific teeth and include re-assessing gum health following a three-month healing period.
To achieve the best long-term results, it is essential that gum disease risk factors have been managed and maintained prior to undergoing advanced periodontal treatment.
Sometimes basic treatment is not successful at getting the gum disease under control. This is because the pockets in severe periodontitis are so deep that it is not possible to fully clean the root surfaces of the teeth without actually looking at them. Your dentist may recommend gum surgery. This treatment involves pushing the gums away from the teeth so that the roots can be seen. It is only by doing this that the dentist can be sure that the roots are clean.
Two types of gum surgery are available:
Visiting your dentist or hygienist for advice on brushing and flossing techniques and the use of special brushes, together with regular cleaning and dental appointments will help to keep your gums healthy. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to prevent gum conditions from worsening.
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If you are interested in starting your dental journey with Kirkgate Dental Care, please get in touch.