Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment Bromley
Peridontic Gum Disease Treatment:
Healthy Smiles Start with Healthy Gums!
Do you ever notice your gums bleed when you brush or they seem red or swollen?
These could be signs of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. At Shmile Dentist Bromley, we take gum health seriously.
Our dentists have the expertise to assess your oral health and advice and treat peridontic gum disease (periodontitis), to improve your oral health and ensure you achieve a long term healthy mouth and smile.
Regular hygiene appointments will also ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy. But our hygienist will be able to advise you when there are potential periodontic issues and refer you to one of our experienced dentists.
Don't Let Gun Disease Hold You Back
What is Gum Disease (Periodontitis)?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that surround and support your teeth. It is caused by a build-up of plaque and biofilm containing bacteria, at the gumline. If left untreated, gum disease can progress and damage the bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. There are generally two stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: This is the mildest form of gum disease. Symptoms may include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional hygiene appointments.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. This more serious stage can damage the bone surrounding your teeth. Symptoms may include loose teeth, persistent bad breath (halitosis), and receding gums.
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What Can Cause Gum Disease?
Poor oral hygiene:Â Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day are essential for removing plaque.
Smoking:Â Smoking weakens the immune system’s ability to fight gum infection.
Diabetes:Â Diabetes can make it harder to control gum disease.
Family history:Â You may be more susceptible to gum disease if it runs in your family.
Certain medications:Â Some medications can dry out your mouth, which can increase your risk of gum disease.
Speak to Our Dentist About Gum Disease Treatment or Book a Hygiene Appointment
Gum Disease (Periodontitis) Treatment
At Shmile Dentist Bromley, we understand the importance of diagnosing and effective gum disease treatment. Our experienced dentists will provide you with a treatment plan tailored to the severity of your gum disease. Here’s what you can expect:
Comprehensive Evaluation: Your first appointment will involve a thorough examination of your gums and teeth. This may include X-rays to assess any bone loss and measurements of the spaces (pockets) between your teeth and gums.
Non-Surgical Treatment: For gingivitis and mild cases of periodontitis, non-surgical treatments are often effective. This may include:
- Scaling and Deep Cleaning (Root Planing): This involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gumline. It is a a more thorough cleaning than a regular dental hygiene cleaning.
- Antibiotics: In some cases, your periodontist may prescribe antibiotics to fight gum infection.
Surgical Treatment: For moderate to advanced periodontitis, surgical procedures may be necessary to remove deep infection and regenerate bone or gum tissue. Common surgical treatments include:
- Pocket Reduction Surgery: This procedure reduces the depth of gum pockets, making them easier to clean and preventing further infection.
- Gum Grafts: In cases of gum recession, gum grafts can be used to rebuild lost gum tissue and protect the tooth root.
Gum Disease FAQ
The length of gum disease treatment depends on the severity of your condition. A general timeframe is shown below:
Gingivitis: Gingivitis can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene routine within a few weeks.
Mild Periodontitis: Treatment for mild periodontitis may involve one or two deep cleaning sessions and may take several weeks to complete.
Moderate to Advanced Periodontitis: Moderate to advanced periodontitis may require multiple deep cleaning sessions, spread over several appointments. Surgical intervention may also be necessary. Treatment for advanced gum disease can take several months to complete.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-toothbrush brush or an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth.
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings (usually every 6 months).
Maintain a healthy diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to plaque buildup.
Don’t smoke: Smoking weakens the immune system and increases your risk of gum disease.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is a great foundation for oral hygiene, but it may not be enough on its own. Flossing once a day is crucial for removing plaque and bacteria from between teeth, where brushing can’t reach. Regular dental hygiene sessioons are also essential for removing built-up tartar (calculus) that brushing and flossing can’t remove.
Many gum disease treatments, like deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), can cause some discomfort. However, your dentist will likely use local anesthesia to minimise any pain. Talk to our dentists at Shmile Dentist Bromley about your concerns and they will discuss pain management options.
Gum Disease FAQ
The length of gum disease treatment depends on the severity of your condition. A general timeframe is shown below:
Gingivitis: Gingivitis can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene routine within a few weeks.
Mild Periodontitis: Treatment for mild periodontitis may involve one or two deep cleaning sessions and may take several weeks to complete.
Moderate to Advanced Periodontitis: Moderate to advanced periodontitis may require multiple deep cleaning sessions, spread over several appointments. Surgical intervention may also be necessary. Treatment for advanced gum disease can take several months to complete.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-toothbrush brush or an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth.
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings (usually every 6 months).
Maintain a healthy diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to plaque buildup.
Don’t smoke: Smoking weakens the immune system and increases your risk of gum disease.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is a great foundation for oral hygiene, but it may not be enough on its own. Flossing once a day is crucial for removing plaque and bacteria from between teeth, where brushing can’t reach. Regular dental hygiene sessioons are also essential for removing built-up tartar (calculus) that brushing and flossing can’t remove.
Many gum disease treatments, like deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), can cause some discomfort. However, your dentist will likely use local anesthesia to minimise any pain. Talk to our dentists at Shmile Dentist Bromley about your concerns and they will discuss pain management options.
