Periodontal (Gum disease) treatment at surbiton smile centre

Specialist and general dentist in Surbiton/ Kingston/Surrey

Here at Surbiton Smile Centre, we pride ourselves on our thorough diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of the single largest cause of tooth loss in older people, namely gum disease.

Gingivitis	Early Periodontitis	Advanced Stage

The word "periodontal" originates from the two Greek words that mean "around teeth". There are several types of periodontal disease, and all of them are caused by bacterial infections which attack the gums, jaw bone and the ligaments that hold the teeth in the jaw.

Periodontal disease usually starts silently, painlessly and without any significant symptoms. It can make slow or rapid progress depending on its severity.

Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by specific types of bacteria and plaque, in which the bacteria rapidly multiply. Plaque is a colourless film of food remains and bacteria which constantly forms on the neck of the tooth and on the surfaces of the tooth root.

The bacterial toxins irritate the gums and cause the weakening of their attachment to the teeth. Over a period of time, these toxins not only damage the gums but also, more seriously, the underlying bone. Plaque that is not removed promptly can accumulate and harden into tartar. Tartar above the gum line, though unsightly, is not in itself a cause for concern. However, more often than not, tartar becomes localized below the gum line and sticks to the dental root surface. This tartar is what causes the first symptoms of periodontal disease. They are bleeding, an unpleasant odour and gum discolouration.

Please note that only a dentist or dental hygienist can safely and effectively remove plaque and tartar.

Periodontal evaluation
The main objective of our specialised dental team at Surbiton Smile Centre is the prevention and/or treatment of periodontal disease. An evaluation of your periodontal health is automatically included in our patients general dental health examination.

We leave nothing to chance and cover all aspects of your gum health. We examine gum thickness and mobility, the condition of the mucous membranes, look for any signs of bleeding and note the location of any plaque or tartar present. In addition an x-ray is used to determine bone resorbtion levels and a special probe is used to measure the depth of the gum pockets around the teeth and their mobility.

Then, according to the test results and subsequent diagnosis, we can formulate the optimal treatment plan, based on the individual's needs.

Methods of Treatment
The methods of treatment needs must be tailor made according to each patients specific requirements.

There are many types of treatment available but the most commonly prescribed ones are:

• Proper and regular oral hygiene procedures
• A basic periodontal program (i.e. root canal treatment, removal of plaque and calculus, curettage)
• Antiseptic rinses and the application of medication
• Periodontal surgery can be performed to eliminate non vital gum edge to reduce gum pocket depth or for the removal of infected bone
• Lost bone tissue may be rebuilt with the aid of guided bone regeneration surgery
• Aesthetic line of smile ( the gum line attached to the tooth surface is corrected)
• Mobile teeth are splinted with fibre strips to secure them
• The bite load is redistributed

Conclusion
By far the best way of preventing periodontal disease is by developing and committing to a regular oral hygiene routine i.e. twice daily brushing at home, as well as professional plaque and tartar removal at the clinic.

The dedicated teamwork of all our dental specialists is necessary in order to prevent the onset of periodontal disease.

Cleaning and Prevention
Having a healthy mouth is vital for your overall health and well being. For that reason everyone should follow their oral hygiene routine religiously. A balanced diet and the prompt treatment of any dental problems is also extremely important.

Professionally carried out mouth hygiene procedures are a major preventive means of avoiding the onset of oral disease, especially periodontal problems. A couple of visits to the hygienist, who will carry out these specialised procedures under local anaesthesia, should suffice. Tooth tartar is removed from every tooth using an ultrasound scaler, whilst tartar located deeper in the gum pockets is removed manually using special instruments.

After the removal of the plaque and tartar, the teeth are polished on all sides using special brushes, pastes and rubber discs. Tooth surfaces polished in this way have a much greater resistance to plaque and tartar build up.

Air–flow method
At Surbiton Smile Centre our hygienist has access to one of the world's most advanced tooth plaque removal methods. Air Flow is a ideal and very effective way of painlessly removing the stains caused by nicotine, coffee and tea, and it has the advantage that it also whitens the teeth.

As its name suggests,it uses as strong flow of air in combination with a medical grade of powdered soda, plus water. This is directed vertically to the surface of the tooth, to quickly and comfortably remove plaque build-up. This method is unique in that it is a remote treatment of the surface. This leaves the hard tooth tissues and the softer gums undisturbed and intact. After having undergone this procedure you will be pleasantly surprised at the natural whiteness of your smile and the fresh feeling of a really clean mouth.

After this you will be given all the details concerning the tooth cleaning methods used. Your dentist will then select the most appropriate to suit your needs and he/she will finally schedule your, all important, next preventive check up appointment.

Learn more on Surbiton Smile Centre periodontal treatment specialist Dr Ingo Voges.