Gum Disease Treatment
Combat gum disease and protect your oral health with our comprehensive treatment options in Tunbridge Wells, focusing on restoring gum health and preventing future issues.
Gum disease treatment and hygiene therapy in Tunbridge Wells
Gum disease is fast taking over from decay as a major cause of tooth-loss in the general population. This problem occurs as a result of bacteria, which live in the plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth, releasing toxins which damage the tooth’s supporting structures. The bone that supports the teeth shrinks back; eventually leaving loose teeth that becomes repeatedly infected and thus requiring extraction.
The disease itself is commonly symptomless and many patients are unaware that they have a problem until the condition is quite advanced. Since it is currently impossible to re-generate the jawbone, our aim is to help patients prevent the disease process rather than trying to treat the effects of bone loss.
Treatment is through careful assessment and periodic review together with regular professional de-scaling to remove the tartar, as well as helping and encouraging our patients to maintain good oral hygiene practices such as effective brushing and using various methods of cleaning in-between the teeth. In severe cases, we work with a Periodontist (gum-specialist) to deliver the best possible care to those patients who need it.
Choose us
and benefit from:
Gum Disease Treatment
FAQ's
What should I ask my dentists about periodontal disease?
Keep in mind that your dentist will examine your gum health and evaluate whether you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of periodontal disease during your biannual checkups. However, you can be proactive about preventing gum disease by communicating your concerns with your dentist and asking them if there are any specific measures you should be taking to protect your oral health and prevent disease. They will be able to take into account your medical history, any medications you might be taking, and other factors to help you create a plan of action that will keep you healthy. While most younger patients aren’t dealing with periodontal disease, it is still important to take the time to understand potential problems and what preventative measures you can put in place. Start by identifying weaknesses in your own oral hygiene routine and working to make improvements. If you aren’t brushing for a full two minutes, consider setting a timer or getting an electric toothbrush that will vibrate when it is time to switch sides. If flossing is your weakness, start leaving the floss next to your toothbrush as a gentle reminder. Finally, make an appointment at Calverley Dental so that you can better understand your current oral health and get more expert advice and treatments.
What are dental hygiene best practices?
While best practices can vary from patient to patient depending on their health, there are some general rules of thumb that you should be following. Make sure that you are brushing for at least two minutes at a time and getting full coverage of your entire mouth. You should also brush and floss at least twice a day and visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and a check-up. If you have been lax about your dental hygiene, you may want to increase the frequency of both brushing and professional cleanings. Be sure to ask your dentist for other dental hygiene recommendations that can help address your specific needs and help you establish a personalized care plan.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent periodontal disease. Even if you are at an increased risk for periodontal disease or you have already received treatment, brushing, and flossing with regular professional cleanings are important. These preventative measures will help you eliminate bacteria and catch the first signs of gingivitis and periodontitis before they are able to progress to the point where you require surgical intervention.
How much do periodontal disease treatments cost?
Costs will vary depending on the type of treatment you require Fortunately Calverley Dental can offer payment plans and other financing options so that you can afford the treatment you need. Instead of putting off periodontal disease treatments, talk to your dentist about different payment options so that your periodontal disease doesn’t progress and lead to other health problems.
What are periodontal disease treatments?
Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, there are several effective periodontal disease treatments that can help restore your oral health. If you are in the early stages of the disease, your hygienist will conduct a thorough periodontal cleaning and may recommend scaling and root planing, which is a non-surgical treatment that involves removing plaque from the teeth and then smoothing any rough spots that plaque and bacteria are prone to cling to. This will help prevent bacteria from returning allow the gums to grow back and protect the teeth. For more advanced cases, you may require pocket reduction, gum grafts, or bone grafts. All of these periodontal surgeries are designed to effectively remove bacteria and damaged gums and bones so that they can regrow and help you enjoy better oral health.
Can periodontal disease cause other health problems?
It is important to remember that your oral health is directly tied to your overall health. If you are experiencing inflammation and a build-up of bacteria in your mouth, this can quickly spread to the rest of your body and cause additional problems. Research shows that gum disease can increase your chances of experiencing other chronic conditions including cancer, respiratory disease, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. That is why it is important to prevent periodontal disease and treat it during the early stages.
Who is at higher risk for periodontal disease?
While age is the biggest risk factor when it comes to periodontal disease, there are other factors that can increase your chances of having periodontitis. Those who smoke, are obese or have poor nutrition are at a higher risk. Diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis, can also lead to more oral health issues. In addition, certain medications have been shown to increase risk, so be sure to talk to your doctor and your dentist when you start new medications. Finally, there are also some genetic links to periodontal disease although most risk factors can be mitigated with lifestyle changes.
How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
A regular cleaning and dental checkup appointment will include a periodontal evaluation. Your dentist or hygienist will look to see if your gums are bleeding or inflamed and use a probe to measure the amount of space between your teeth and your gums. Using all this information, they will determine whether you are healthy or which stage of periodontitis you are experiencing.
What are common symptoms of periodontal disease?
Those with periodontal disease will notice that their gums are red, swollen, and tender. Inflamed gums will also bleed after brushing and flossing and periodontal abscesses or pockets of pus can form around the teeth. Drainage from those pockets can be foul-tasting. Eventually, the gums will begin to recede and leave more of the tooth exposed. In the most severe cases, the periodontal ligament, which helps connect teeth to bones, will become damaged and teeth will begin to fall out. Other common symptoms include bad breath, loose and cracked teeth, noticeable shifting of teeth, and pain while eating. Remember that healthy gums should be a pale pink colour and provide even coverage of the teeth.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is also known as periodontitis and/or gum disease. Essentially, it is an infection that occurs around the soft tissue of the tooth and can also affect supporting bones. Infections can form as bacteria attached to the tooth, accumulate around the tooth, and cause inflammation. If the infection is left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
What makes us different
5 star customer service
Our dental practice in Tunbridge Wells has received numerous five-star patient reviews, with patients praising their exceptional care, friendly staff, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Dentists that care
Our team care deeply about our patients' well-being, offering compassionate service and personalised dental treatment plans to ensure optimal dental health.
Flexible 0% interest finance options
We understand that prices can be a worry for patients, so we offer the option to spread your costs out at no extra fee.