Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss and most sufferers are unaware of their susceptibility.

X-rays of a periodontally healthy mouth and one where over 50 % of the bone has been lost due to periodontal disease, together with a number of teeth.
Healthy	Unhealthy

Gum recession, "getting long in the tooth", bad breath, bleeding gums, loosening or drifting of teeth can all be signs of the advancement of this unpleasant process.

Untreated gum disease results in loosening and eventual loss of the teeth. At present it is impossible to cure gum disease, we can however control it. As with any other disease process the earlier we can diagnose it the easier treatment is, and the better the prognosis. Unfortunately the disease can be active for ten or more years before symptoms appear (such as the teeth start to become loose or the gums recede). It is essential therefore that all patients receive a full diagnostic charting appointment from the dental hygienist. This visit comprises mapping of your presenting gum condition using a dedicated computer programme and internationally accepted indices.

Healthy "pink" Gum Tissue

Diseased & Inflamed Gum Tissue

This baseline measurement is then used to assess your needs and comprise a plan of treatment together with a personal recall and home care maintenance programme. In most early to moderate cases treatment can be limited to regular appointments with the dental hygienist, providing the personalised home care regime is carried out every day. In advanced cases, and when referred specifically for this treatment, an appointment with our periodontal specialist Dr Crawford Bain will be arranged. Specialist periodontal care can involve: grafting techniques (bone and gum tissue) gum surgery, bite adjustment, the administration of local drug therapy, planning for tooth loss.

Top