Periodontics

Gum disease, periodontitis and gingivitis

Periodontics is a field of dentistry offered at Larkham House, concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, known as gum disease, a P

Dr Vivek Giddani has a special interest in Periodontics after completing a post-graduate diploma in Periodontology at Peninsula Dental School in Plymouth.

 

 

GET IN TOUCH

larkham house
larkham house

Gum disease is usually slow progressing, and a very common condition. The gums become swollen, sore or infected and most people are not aware that they have it.

If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may notice you have bad breath. This early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis only affects the gums and it is completely reversible. it occurs when tooth cleaning is not thorough enough, the bacterial deposits build up next to the gums, forming a plaque, and the conditions become suitable for more dangerous bacteria to flourish. The natural defences of the body are also compromised and the gum surrounding the tooth becomes red, swollen and inflamed. Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, often without any obvious signs to alert you.

Periodontitis, a more advanced gum disease

Periodontitis is a more serious and advanced form of the disease. It can cause inflammation of the gums, but it also causes the breakdown and loss of bone and gum around the tooth. Bone loss due to gum disease is irreversible. If periodontitis is left untreated, the teeth may become loose which could eventually lead to their loss.

Periodontal Referral

We are now offering an Advanced Dentistry Referral Service from dental colleagues or from patients themselves for complex periodontal cases.  Larkham House have the latest CBCT imaging scanner to enable advanced diagnosis for complex procedures and patient care.

Dr Vivek Giddani has a special interest in Periodontics after completing a post-graduate diploma in Periodontology at Peninsula Dental School in Plymouth.

We aim to see patients within 7 days of receiving the referral. Please contact us for further details.

What are the signs of gum disease?

The most obvious signs of gum disease are:

Can I prevent gum disease?

The development of gingivitis and periodontitis can be prevented by adopting thorough oral hygiene habits, alongside regular professional examinations and support.

  1. Clean the chewing surfaces and sides of the teeth twice daily, with a toothbrush (of an appropriate size and in good condition) and toothpaste.
  2. Choose the right toothbrush for you. Your dentist or hygienist can give you advice. Electric toothbrushes can be especially good at removing plaque.
  3. Clean the spaces between the teeth where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach, using either dental floss or an interdental brush, depending on the size of the space.

Periodontitis can be inherited from one’s parents so the condition can run in families. Many studies have shown that gum disease is far more common and destructive in smokers. Similarly, diabetes will exaggerate the destructive response to plaque. Other conditions that exacerbate the symptoms of periodontal disease include pregnancy hormones, stress and some medications.

How do we treat gum disease?

The type of treatment you’ll have will depend on how severe your gum disease is. Your dentist may refer you for treatment with a dental hygienist or a specialist periodontist.

The aim of periodontal treatment is to stop the inflammation of your gums and ensure the thorough removal of plaque and calculus deposits from all your tooth and root surfaces.

Once these deposits are removed, and are maintained, the cause of the gum reaction can be eliminated, and the destructive inflammation controlled. Providing the tooth surface is kept clean and free of plaque, the gums will return to a healthy, non-swollen, non-inflamed state.

The most important aspect of treatment for gum disease is an improvement in oral hygiene. Your dentist or hygienist will advise you on methods and techniques that are suitable for you.

If you or your family have a history of gum disease it is important that you mention this to your dentist on your first consultation and seek a thorough assessment of your gum health.

At Larkham House, our dentists, and dental hygienists will be able to assess your susceptibility to gum disease and provide the appropriate treatment, tailored for your specific treatment needs and the best course of action for you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS TREATMENT

Call 01752 343 140 Contact
Back to Advanced Dentistry

GET IN TOUCH

What do they say about Larkham House?

“Went here with a dental emergency. Took less than 5 minutes, no teeth needed to be pulled! Got anti biotics. Great staff. Abscess drained. They were brilliant”

Holly

“Thank you so much Vivek for all your kindness and time. This will completely change my life and I cant thank you enough. I will forever be grateful for all your hard work and...”

Heather.

“Dr Giddani & Rachel, Thank you both for being so kind when I had my tooth out as a nervous patient. Thank You!”

Karen

“First class !!! Always helpful especially in an emergency situation, as a person who had experienced bad dentistry as a child it's great to feel safe and happy every time I visit Larkham House."”

Damon

“I was referred by NHS emergency centre yesterday, was seen x-rayed and treated straight away. dentist (Matt) was very calming, gentle and informative- truly professional service' thankyou very much.🙂”

Nicola. R

“Came in yesterday and had tooth extraction. The female dentist who did it was great. Would highly recommend this surgery. She was very friendly and professional.”

Simon. L

“Warm welcome, friendly professional team, I am nervous of the dentist but was made to feel at ease immediately. Thank you”

Diana B

  • 49 Larkham Lane
  • Plymouth
  • PL7 4PH
Google Rating
5.0
Google Rating
Google Rating