Periodontics (gum disease treatments)

Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry dealing with gums and gum diseases.
Gum diseases are some of the most common infections worldwide but many people are unaware that they have them, as there are very few symptoms until the infection is fairly advanced. Things to look out for are bleeding gums, sensitive gums, bad breath, and receding gums as these are the earlier signs of gum disease.

There are many types of gum disease, and contrary to popular belief, they affect young as well as older people. Heredity does play some part in gum diseases so if members of your family have gum disease then a through examination is advisable.

Lifestyle does impact how severely you can be affected by gum disease. So a good nutritious diet, and particularly vitamin C, is a good starting point. Smoking is one of the most destructive things you can do, as not only do smokers get more severe gum disease, they also lose there teeth much earlier.

Gum disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular visits to our dental hygienist. Once gum disease is established though, different treatments are required. The Early stages of gum disease are treated with root debridement; often called deep cleaning, and usually done with the gum numbed.

More advanced gum disease requires more specialized techniques for treatment. This usually involves gum surgery and it is sometimes possible to restore some of damage that has taken place with regeneration techniques.

Periodontists not only treat gum disease but also do cosmetic treatments, from covering recessions to improving the shape and contour of gums to improve your smile.

If you suspect gum problems, the starting point is a consultation with our periodontist.