Gum disease is a common cause of tooth loss in adult patients. At our practices, our prime concern is for our patients to have a healthy mouth with good levels of oral hygiene.
Detection of Gum Disease
Gum problems are mostly painless, and patients are often not aware that gum disease is present. The main causes of gum disease are plaque and tartar deposits around the teeth and gums.
As part of our oral health screening, we assess each patient for: -
- signs/severity of any gum disease
- levels of plaque/tartar present
- amounts of gum inflammation
X-rays and special gum measurements accurately show us how serious the problem is.
Gum Treatment
Gum treatment involves:-
- Cleaning /scaling of tooth surfaces to remove plaque and tartar
- Advice on correct oral hygiene e.g. the use of dental floss and special micro brushes, mouthwashes/gels and correct toothbrushing techniques.
- Reassessment and monitoring of progress in advanced cases
“Gum Specialist” - the hygienist
After careful assessment by your dentist, the hygienist carries out all the treatment necessary to ensure a healthy mouth. Treatment sessions with the hygienist are half hour or one hour. The needs of each patient vary from one visit of thorough scaling and polishing of teeth, to multiple visits requiring deep cleaning under local anaesthetic. Hygienists are qualified to give local anaesthetics, and can also carry out other types of treatment such as fissure sealants on children.
Laser Gum Treatment
Using a state-of-the-art dental laser machine, we can recontour gums for a more attractive smile. Lasers can also correct difficult gum problems in advanced cases without the need for surgery!
Gum Surgery
For resistant gum pockets and more advanced gum disease, we recommend surgical gum treatment to improve the health of your mouth. You will be advised if this is necessary. Failure to have this treatment where necessary often results in teeth becoming looser, and eventual loss.
Summary
We will strive to provide a comprehensive programme of oral hygiene and gum care to ensure that teeth are kept longer (ideally for life). As such, the need for future treatment will be minimal.
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