Lord Lees Grove, Blue Bell Hill, Kent. ME5 9PE. Telephone: 01634 842566. Email: reception@hospitallane.com
What is Gum Disease? (also known as Gingivitis and Periodontitis)
Plaque accumulates in the areas where the teeth meet the gums, causing inflammation. The earliest signs are bleeding while toothbrushing, and redness. However, no pain is felt. The next stage is swelling of the gum. This is called Ginigivitis. Gradually the gum becomes detached from the enamel exposing the root and causing a pocket, which fills with plaque. Eventually the pocket becomes deeper until inflammation reaches the bone, which is then slowly destroyed. The bone can then be destroyed to such an extent that the tooth becomes loose and may even fall out. This is called Periodontitis.
Gum disease is preventable.
Visiting your dentist or hygienist for advice on brushing and flossing techniques and the use of special brushes, together with regular cleaning and dental appointments will help to keep your gums healthy.
Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to prevent gum conditions from worsening.
Dental Hygienists are specially trained members of the dental team. They have two main roles; scaling and polishing teeth and teaching patient oral hygiene techniques.
They work with the dentist to establish and maintain a programme tailored to meet your specific needs.
When is basic treatment not enough?
Sometimes basic treatment is not successful at getting the gum disease under control. This is because the pockets in severe periodontitis are so deep that it is not possible to fully clean the roots by this method. The dentist may then suggest gum (periodontal) surgery. This will be carried out by a Periodontist, who is a specialist in gum diseases and treatment. It is only by doing this that the dentist can be sure that the roots are clean.
Periodontal treatment is aimed at preventing the progression of gum disease. The disease affects the majority of people in this country, although in most of the population it is mild. For patients with more severe problems and bone loss new materials and techniques are available whereby the support for teeth can be stabilised to increase the lifespan of teeth.
Please note:
Gum re-shaping is sometimes required to improve the aesthetics of teeth in conjuntion with restorative treatment.
Our periodontal specialist, Craig Kennett BDS PhD FDS RCPS, provides advice and treatment in this field.
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