Periodontics (gum disease treatments)

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

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

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

Gum disease can be prevented with goodoral hygiene and regular visits to our dental hygienist. Once gumdisease is established though, different treatments are required. TheEarly stages of gum disease are treated with root debridement; oftencalled deep cleaning, and usually done with the gum numbed.

More advanced gum disease requires morespecialized techniques for treatment. This usually involves gumsurgery and it is sometimes possible to restore some of damage thathas taken place with regeneration techniques.

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

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