Periodontics

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a painful and often frustrating condition that affects the gums and bones supporting our teeth.

It’s caused by harmful bacteria that build up on our teeth and gums, leading to red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If we don’t take good care of our oral health, this condition can worsen and cause our gums to pull away from our teeth, creating pockets that become infected. This can ultimately lead to tooth loss, which can be very upsetting and distressing.

Factors like poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, and hormonal changes can all increase our risk of developing periodontal disease, and it’s not always easy to prevent. Treatment usually involves a lot of time and effort, including deep cleaning of the teeth and gums, medications, and even surgery in severe cases. It can be a long and difficult process, but taking steps to prevent gum disease, like visiting the dentist regularly and brushing and flossing daily, can make a big difference in keeping our mouths healthy and happy.

Symptoms

Although not always obvious, symptoms of gum disease can include:

• Bleeding when you brush.
• Swollen, red gums.
• Bad breath or a metallic taste.
• Gum recession.
• Sensitive teeth.

Regular screening of teeth and gums can ensure any issues are swiftly spotted, helping to slow or halt the disease.

Treatment

The level of treatment required for gum disease will be based on the severity of the disease, but it will include plaque control and demonstrating the most effective techniques for keeping teeth clean.

If gum disease has developed beyond the early stages, a thorough clean under the gums, known as root surface debridement, will be required to remove hidden bacterial build-up. This involves scaling of the root surface, which can reduce inflammation of the gum tissue. Surgical procedures can also be used to address deep gum pockets.

Risk factors

The chief risk factors for gum disease are poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, poor diet and having a genetic propensity. Early diagnosis and prevention are the best ways to help reduce your chances of developing the disease.

Taking care of teeth and gums can also benefit your whole body, as inadequate oral hygiene has been linked to the development of certain health conditions, such as heart disease.

Laser-assisted periodontal therapy

Periodontal disease affects the gums and bone structure that support the teeth and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. With Waterlase, we can provide laser-assisted periodontal therapy (LAPT) that is dramatically more comfortable and effective. This method allows us to remove diseased tissue while promoting the regeneration of healthy gums, all with less discomfort and recovery time than traditional methods.

To book a consultation, give us a call at 0163 540 311 or email enquiries@briarsdentalcentre.com.

If you’re a dentist and you’re looking to refer, please complete our referral form.