Periodontics

Often nicknamed the ‘Silent Disease’, this issue generally doesn’t present major issues until its advanced stages. Although signs and symptoms are highly diverse, they may include:

• Reddening and swelling of the gums.
• Bleeding gums when brushing.
• Loose teeth.
• A bad taste in the mouth.
• Bad breath.

At Epsom Smiles, our professionals treat periodontitis primarily through plaque control, as plaque is the leading cause of gum disease. Removing plaque and tartar from under the gums plays a big role in eliminating and avoiding the disease. We want to help you improve your oral hygiene as much as possible and will therefore offer expert advice on how to brush your teeth in the most efficient way, amongst other things.

We will help you develop the skills required to routinely clean plaque above the gum level and around your teeth during your introductory consultation. However, tartar must be professionally removed by one of our dentists or hygienists. Benefits of this include fresher breath, firmer gums and less mobile teeth.
After several weeks of healing, we will assess the response of your gums. This reassessment appointment is necessary to determine how successful our therapy has been and whether you require further treatment.

If your gum pockets are particularly deep, you may require surgery. While our specialists will always try to avoid the need for surgery, they will assess your response to treatment initially and then decide whether surgery is necessary.
Gum surgery is a straightforward procedure, and the healing process is relatively rapid (generally within a week). Additionally, it can be possible to restore some of the lost gum and bone around the tooth through a minor surgical procedure.

Once your treatment finishes, it will be necessary for you to see the dental hygienist regularly to maintain your oral health and prevent any further problems from occurring.

We recommend one hygienist appointment every three months for the first year. Your hygienist will keep the progress of your gum disease under close review at all times, as re-treatment of a resistant area is occasionally required.