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.

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

 

 

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Periodontics

Expert Gum Care at Larkham House Dental Practice

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. At Larkham House Dental Practice in Plymouth, we provide advanced periodontic care to protect your gums, teeth, and overall oral health. Periodontics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Early care can save teeth and improve long-term health.

What Is Periodontics?

Periodontics is the dental specialty that treats the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. When plaque and bacteria build up below the gum line, inflammation begins. If left untreated, this can lead to bleeding gums, gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.

Our experienced dental team delivers personalised periodontal treatment using proven techniques and modern equipment.

Signs You May Need Periodontal Treatment

Gum disease often develops quietly. Many patients feel no pain at first. Look out for these warning signs:

  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Receding gums or longer-looking teeth
  • Loose or shifting teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, early treatment is key. Acting fast can prevent permanent damage.

Gum disease man

Our Periodontal Treatments

Comprehensive Gum Assessment

We start with a full gum health evaluation. This includes measuring gum pockets, checking bone levels, and identifying infection.

Professional Deep Cleaning

This treatment removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line. It smooths tooth roots to help gums heal and reattach.

Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance

Gum disease requires long-term care. We create tailored maintenance plans to keep your gums stable and healthy.

Support for Advanced Gum Disease

For more severe cases, we focus on infection control and stabilisation. We also work closely with referrals when specialist input is required.

How to 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.

Why Healthy Gums Matter

Healthy gums do more than protect your teeth. Research links gum disease with heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. Treating gum disease improves oral health and supports overall wellbeing.

Strong gums also improve the success of other dental treatments, including crowns, bridges, implants, and cosmetic dentistry.

Lady pointing to sore gum

Periodontal Referrals

We have an Advanced Dentistry Referral Service from dental colleagues or from patients themselves for complex periodontal cases.  At Larkham House Dental Practice we 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.

At Larkham House Dental Practice, 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.

menopause lady looking out window

the link between diabetes & gum disease

The correlation between these two conditions goes beyond mere coincidence, with compelling evidence suggesting a bidirectional link that can significantly impact both oral and systemic health

Periodontics sore gums

What is gum disease and how do I prevent it?

Gum disease describes the swelling, soreness or infection around the tissues supporting the teeth. The main forms of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS TREATMENT

Call 01752 343 140 Contact
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What do they say about Larkham House?

“Working with this team is always seamless and enjoyable—top marks all around”

SSD Group

“Thank to the dentist, dental nurse and reception staff for their care and friendliness on our last visit. Highly recommend this dental practice.”

Angela

“Great team and excellent service. Always very helpful and honest.”

Claire

“After being referred here by my old dentist for a dental implant. I ended up switching to here. So friendly, great what they do, easy to get an appointment, plenty of parking.”

Thomas

“I highly recommend Larkham House dentistry. As a very anxious person & fear of the dentist, they really look after you. I had Dr V Giddani for few visits what a caring Dentist he...”

MC

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Peter

“Never been disappointed there. Staff is friendly and they actually care. My dentist marko roberta (i think she's called), is so friendly and makes an appointment a breeze. The 2 people in the reception...”

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  • 49 Larkham Lane
  • Plymouth
  • PL7 4PH
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