Cosmetic Dentists in Farnham, Surrey
Call us on: 01252 713797
Gum Disease (Periodontic) Treatment
Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can eventually destroy the jawbone that holds your teeth firmly in place. Left untreated periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent causes of tooth loss in adults.
If you have periodontal disease it can affect one, or many teeth. Early signs of periodontal disease are reddened, swollen gums which bleed easily, but are not normally painful. We refer to this early stage of periodontal disease as gingivitis.
Gingivitis can be prevented or reversed by regular hygiene appointments, supported with efficient teeth cleaning routines at home. If gingivitis is left untreated the bacteria in the plaque produce toxins which irritate the gums, destroying the fibres and bone which support your teeth. As gingivitis progresses to full periodontal disease more gum and bone is destroyed, until eventually your tooth will become loose and may fall out. Recent research has shown that uncontrolled gum disease is closely linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and diabetes.
Red, puffy gums... whatever your complexion, your gums should never be red or swollen.
Bleeding gums... it is not normal for your gums to bleed, even when you brush correctly or use dental floss.
Persistent bad breath... bad breath is most likely to be a sign of periodontal disease, you may not notice bad breath yourself, take it seriously if family, friends or colleagues mention your breath.
Spaces appearing between your teeth... this could indicate that the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed, allowing your teeth to drift.
One or more teeth begin to loosen... you may experience discomfort when chewing or cleaning your teeth.
Receding gums... periodontal disease can cause the gums to shrink away from your teeth, leaving the roots and darker coloured dentine exposed, making your teeth look longer. Receding gums are not normal at any age and should be discussed with your dentist.
Vague itching, or discomfort in the gums... periodontal disease is nearly always painless, so you may not notice the gradual onset of puffiness in your gums or occasional bleeding when brushing. Periodontal disease can be prevented or treated, if you have any concerns speak to your dentist, regular check-ups are essential to detect and treat periodontal disease.
Bleeding gums... it is not normal for your gums to bleed, even when you brush correctly or use dental floss.
Persistent bad breath... bad breath is most likely to be a sign of periodontal disease, you may not notice bad breath yourself, take it seriously if family, friends or colleagues mention your breath.
Spaces appearing between your teeth... this could indicate that the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed, allowing your teeth to drift.
One or more teeth begin to loosen... you may experience discomfort when chewing or cleaning your teeth.
Receding gums... periodontal disease can cause the gums to shrink away from your teeth, leaving the roots and darker coloured dentine exposed, making your teeth look longer. Receding gums are not normal at any age and should be discussed with your dentist.
Vague itching, or discomfort in the gums... periodontal disease is nearly always painless, so you may not notice the gradual onset of puffiness in your gums or occasional bleeding when brushing. Periodontal disease can be prevented or treated, if you have any concerns speak to your dentist, regular check-ups are essential to detect and treat periodontal disease.
Some people are naturally very resistant to periodontal disease, but 10-15% of the adult population is highly susceptible. Some medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can intensify your periodontal disease and smoking has been scientifically proven to make the problem worse and reduce the effectiveness of any treatment.
People suffering from stress have reduced resistance to periodontal disease and your own resistance can vary as you reach different stages in your life. Regardless of your personal susceptibility or resistance to periodontal disease, together with your dentist and hygienist you can slow the progress of disease and keep it in check. For most people, loss of teeth due to periodontal disease, is no longer inevitable, as long as you have access to the correct treatment.
People suffering from stress have reduced resistance to periodontal disease and your own resistance can vary as you reach different stages in your life. Regardless of your personal susceptibility or resistance to periodontal disease, together with your dentist and hygienist you can slow the progress of disease and keep it in check. For most people, loss of teeth due to periodontal disease, is no longer inevitable, as long as you have access to the correct treatment.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease affects the gums, bone and other supporting tissues of the teeth. Although many people suffer gum inflammation from time to time, around 10% of the population appear to suffer from the more severe forms of the disease. Left untreated severe periodontal disease will eventually undermine the support for teeth, so they become loose and fall out. It is caused by the naturally occurring bacteria which collect on your teeth.
Why do some people suffer from this problem and not others?
Around 10% of the population is susceptible, but family history, stress and smoking are all contributory risk factors. Stopping smoking is an important way of reducing the risk of developing the disease. Certain general diseases such as diabetes may also make you more susceptible.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
The signs and symptoms start with gums that bleed on brushing right up to loose teeth or teeth that have ‘drifted’ in your mouth. However, some people exhibit no symptoms at all, so it is essential to see your dentist and hygienist regularly so that they can assess your general oral health.
What should I do if I think I have the disease?
Once you have a diagnosis you may be referred to a practice like ours. We will show you how to effectively remove plaque when you clean your teeth at home. In-clinic treatment will eliminate the infection around your teeth and under your gums.
What is maintenance therapy?
Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and initial treatment has taken place you may require maintenance therapy. Designed to stabilise your disease and limit its progression, your therapy will be delivered by a periodontist or a dentist with years of experience of gum grafts, working in a team with a specially trained hygienist. Depending on the severity of your disease we will develop an individual schedule of visits to our clinic so that we can review your gum health.
Periodontal disease affects the gums, bone and other supporting tissues of the teeth. Although many people suffer gum inflammation from time to time, around 10% of the population appear to suffer from the more severe forms of the disease. Left untreated severe periodontal disease will eventually undermine the support for teeth, so they become loose and fall out. It is caused by the naturally occurring bacteria which collect on your teeth.
Why do some people suffer from this problem and not others?
Around 10% of the population is susceptible, but family history, stress and smoking are all contributory risk factors. Stopping smoking is an important way of reducing the risk of developing the disease. Certain general diseases such as diabetes may also make you more susceptible.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
The signs and symptoms start with gums that bleed on brushing right up to loose teeth or teeth that have ‘drifted’ in your mouth. However, some people exhibit no symptoms at all, so it is essential to see your dentist and hygienist regularly so that they can assess your general oral health.
What should I do if I think I have the disease?
Once you have a diagnosis you may be referred to a practice like ours. We will show you how to effectively remove plaque when you clean your teeth at home. In-clinic treatment will eliminate the infection around your teeth and under your gums.
What is maintenance therapy?
Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and initial treatment has taken place you may require maintenance therapy. Designed to stabilise your disease and limit its progression, your therapy will be delivered by a periodontist or a dentist with years of experience of gum grafts, working in a team with a specially trained hygienist. Depending on the severity of your disease we will develop an individual schedule of visits to our clinic so that we can review your gum health.
If you have been referred for treatment from our periodontist by your own dentist, or you are one of our patients the periodontic consultation fee is £150.
Once your condition has been assessed we will develop your own treatment plan, which details the appointments you will need and the costs involved at each stage of treatment.
Once your condition has been assessed we will develop your own treatment plan, which details the appointments you will need and the costs involved at each stage of treatment.
