Periodontal therapy is the treatment and prevention of gum disease, which is essential for your overall oral health. Your gums are the foundation of your smile, providing crucial support and protection to your teeth. If plaque and bacteria deposits are allowed to build up in the mouth, and not cleaned away with effective brushing, this can lead to gum disease. The early stages of this condition are easy to treat, but if left untreated, periodontitis, a more severe form, can develop.
Gum disease occurs when plaque deposits are left to accumulate in hard to reach areas of your mouth, particularly where your teeth meet the gums. This leads to redness and inflammation, signs of the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. Other symptoms include bleeding while brushing, bad breath and swollen gums.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into a more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis. The gum can become detached from your tooth, forming a pocket that fills with plaque and bacteria that is hard to remove with brushing at home alone. Over time, the pocket becomes deeper and the inflammation reaches the bone, which is slowly destroyed. The affected tooth can become loose and may even fall out.
A periodontist is a specialist in treating, managing and preventing gum disease, and has additional qualifications and training in this area. They are best placed to provide treatment for more advanced gum issues. At The Garden Dental & Implant Clinic, our periodontist is highly experienced in the use of microsurgical procedures and tools, including dental lasers, to remove plaque from below the gum line, reduce inflamed pockets and manage severe gum disease. This allows you to keep your natural teeth for longer, which is far better for your overall oral health.
Our periodontist is happy to give you detailed advice on the various treatment options available for your case. They will give details on why your gum problems are aggravated, and personalised advice to help. As with all cases of gum disease, your oral health routine at home plays a huge part in ensuring treatment success.
Our dental hygienist can help control most cases of mild gum disease with tailored and effective treatment. We can also help you maintain healthy gums by giving you bespoke advice on how to prevent gingivitis from returning. You can help keep your gums clear of disease with a great hygiene routine, including interdental brushing, at home.
