Preventive Dentistry » Gum Disease Treatments

• Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination.

  What is gum disease?

  Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.

  What is gingivitis?

  Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.

  What is periodontal disease?

  Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.

  What is the cause of gum disease?

  All gum diseases are caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and flossing.

  What happens if gum disease is not treated?

  Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole so that you do not notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult.

  How do I know if I have gum disease?

  The first sign is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.

FAQs

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is the speciality of dentistry that studies supporting structures of teeth, diseases and conditions that affect them. Here are some things that your periodontist will evaluate during your periodontal examination.

1. Any lumps or lesions in the mouth.
2. Changes in colour of your inner cheecks and tongue.
3. Loose or the loss of teeth and the cause.
4. The colour, size, shape and texture of your gums.
5. The amount of plaque on your teeth.
6. Spaces or pockets between your tooth and gums.
7. Any blleding that occurs from the probing stage.
8. Receeding gums.

Your periodontist will assess all of these factors on your first visit. They will repeat measurements so they can track the progress of your treatment. For instance, in scaling and root planing, your periodontist will chart the measurements before treatment and the measurements and you progress. After several weeks or months, you and the periodontist will be able to see if the treatment has been effective.

How much will my periodontal consultation cost?

Your consultation with our Specialist Periodontist will cost £125. Details of the treatment and costs involved will be discussed with you at your consultation.

Book your periodontal examination today.




Malmin Dental Care
49 51 Farringdon Road
London, EC1M 3JP

t 0207 831 1702
e info@malmin.co.uk
w www.malmin.co.uk

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