Periodontics is the treatment of gum disease.
One in every two adults over 30 suffers from gum disease and without treatment, the supporting structures will recede to the point where teeth may be lost. In fact, periodontitis is the main reason of tooth loss in adults over the age of 45 in the UK.
Looking after your gums
Many people may not even be aware that they have Periodontal disease. Initially, gum disease does not cause pain and it is only later that the gums, bone and surrounding teeth can progress into a more serious condition, called periodontitis.
This is why it is vital to have regular dental check ups where we can diagnose, treat and manage your overall oral health. It is important to let us know if you see any changes whilst brushing, such as bleeding gums, receding, swollen or red gums, or if you have loose teeth or recurring infections in your mouth. Regular maintenance by your dentist or hygienist can aid in keeping bacteria at bay and help you to keep your teeth for life.
Brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist or hygienist at least once a year can help detect and prevent gum disease.
The first step in your periodontal journey at Rapport Dentistry is a consultation with Monica who has a Masters in Periodontology.
She will discuss any concerns you may have or, if you were referred to us by your usual dentist, why you were referred.
She will also begin a periodontal assessment and ask you about your current symptoms and regimes.
During your consultation we will also undertake a full assessment of your oral health, this will include a baseline record of your gum condition and may also include x-rays and photographs to help formulate a diagnosis.
We will explain our diagnosis and prognosis of your teeth and provide you with a bespoke treatment plan.
This will outline our findings and the treatment options available to you. It will also provide you with a price estimate and an idea of length of treatment.
As treatment is bespoke to each patient there is no ‘fixed’ number of appointments.
A typical course of treatment can start from four visits upward. The treatment is entirely dependent upon what we are trying to achieve and how complex your clinical situation is.
Following initial treatment a number of review appointments and regular hygienist visits may be required. These will help you keep your gum health stable and to enable us to assess how your mouth has responded to treatment.
After initial treatment a small number of patients, with extensive periodontal disease may also need to undergo periodontal surgery to stabilise their gum condition.
Any need for surgery will be discussed at your appointment, however the majority of patients do not require surgery.
Following your treatment it is important to brush and floss your teeth twice a day together with attending regular check-ups with your dentist.
Make a ReferralOne in every two adults over 30 suffers from gum disease and it can lead to receding gums, bone damage, loss of teeth, and can increase the risk of other health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer.
Although bacteria are the main cause of periodontitis, gum disease is a multi-factorial disease. Other factors that can contribute to gum disease include smoking, genetics, hormonal changes (pregnancy), stress, certain medications and medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Without treatment, the supporting structures will recede to the point where teeth may be lost. In fact, periodontitis is the main reason of tooth loss in adults over the age of 45 in the UK.
Gum disease is a multi-factorial disease. The main cause is bacteria called plaque or biofilm. Biofilm is an organized matrix for the bacteria to live in and multiply. Other factors include smoking, genetics, hormonal changes (pregnancy), stress, certain medications and medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
One of the most important things to know is that gum disease can be completely symptom free. The disease process tends to follow an intermittent path over many years and often a person is entirely unaware that they are affected until the disease has reached more advanced stages. This is why regular dental check-ups are vital so we can identify and treat gum disease in its earliest stages.
The most common reason for bleeding gums is gingivitis, where the gums are inflamed due to irritation from dental plaque bacteria. To have the diagnosis confirmed, why not book an appointment at Rapport Dentistry? You can then learn about effective treatment solutions.
Fantastic results and support throughout my treatment. I would recommend this to anyone that has worries or doubts about their teeth and / or smile.
GH
