Periodontal Treatment

At Wensleydale Dental Practice, we can offer surgical /non-surgical periodontal treatments, cosmetic procedures such as crown lengthening, and the management and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases.

These treatments and many others are performed here at the practice by Mr Orlando Barosso in close work with our three hygienists.

Orlando also has a keen interest in regenerative treatments where the aim is to restore bone and gum tissues that have been lost or damaged.

Periodontal plastic surgery is also performed where the intention is to address cosmetic concerns (receding gums and gummy smiles) and to enhance the outcome of cosmetic restorative and orthodontic treatments.

Periodontal (gum) disease

Gum diseases are a set of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth, which over time (especially if left untreated), can lead to the loss of the alveolar bone and gum tissue, which in turn can lead to the loss of teeth. AlloDerm can also be used to treat this concern in certain situations, but only once the cause of the disease has been treated.

FAQs

What is root canal therapy?
Healthy gum tissue protects your teeth from periodontal disease and sensitivity whilst giving you a great smile. Routine dental examinations, along with proper oral hygiene, are essential for maintaining healthy gums: however, some patients require treatment to address the loss of bone and gum tissue which is where periodontal treatment comes in.

The soft tissue required for treating receding gums can come from the roof of a patient’s mouth (via removing a small section of tissue from this area). However, this can cause pain and discomfort.

A regenerative tissue matrix known as AlloDerm (which has been in use since 1994) can act as an effective alternative for soft tissue grafting.

What is gum disease?
Gum Disease is the swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main types of gum disease: ‘gingivitis’ and ‘periodontal disease’.

What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when you brush them.

What is periodontal disease?
Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are several types of periodontal disease, and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse, the bone fixing the teeth to the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out. More teeth are lost through periodontal disease than through tooth decay.

Am I likely to have gum disease?
Probably! Most people have some form of gum disease, and it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, the disease develops very slowly in most people, and it can be slowed down to a rate that should allow you to keep most of your teeth for most of your life.

What is the cause of gum disease?
All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are harmless, but some are 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. You can do this by brushing your teeth and by cleaning between them with interdental brushes or dental floss.

How will smoking affect my gums and teeth?
People who smoke are more likely to have gum disease. Smoking may change the type of bacteria in dental plaque, increasing the number of bacteria that are more harmful. It also reduces the blood flow in the gums and supporting tissue of the tooth, which makes them more likely to become inflamed. Smokers’ gum disease will get worse more quickly than in people who don’t smoke. Because of the reduced blood flow, smokers may not get the warning symptoms of bleeding gums as much as non-smokers.

How do I know if I have gum disease?
The first sign may be blood on your 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.

What should I do if I think I have gum disease?
The first thing to do is visit your dentist for a thorough check-up of your teeth and gums. The dentist can measure the ‘cuff’ of the gum around each tooth to see if there is any sign that periodontal disease has started. X-rays may also be needed to see the amount of bone that has been lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment can be prescribed.

What happens if gum disease is not treated?
Unfortunately, gum disease usually develops painlessly, so you do not notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active, and this is what makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over several years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult.

What treatments are needed?
Your dentist or hygienist will usually clean your teeth thoroughly to remove the plaque (scale). You will also be shown how to remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly and effectively. This may take several sessions with a dentist or hygienist.

What else may be needed?
Once your teeth are clean, your dentist or hygienist may decide to carry out further cleaning of the roots of the teeth to make sure that the last pockets of bacteria are removed. This is known as ‘root planning’ and is commonly performed over a series of appointments. You may need the treatment area to be numb before anything is done. Afterwards, you may feel some discomfort for up to 48 hours.

Once I have had periodontal disease, can I get it again?
Periodontal disease is never cured, but it can be controlled as long as you keep up the home care you have been taught. Any further loss of bone is very slow and may stop altogether. However, you must make sure you remove plaque every day and go for regular check-ups with your dentist and hygienist.

The British Dental Health Foundation promotes three key messages:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as required.

We also recommend the daily use of interdental brushes and/or dental floss.