Periodontics - Gum Disease Treatment
It may be necessary for your general dentist to refer you to a specialist for an assessment and/or periodontal or gum treatment if your dental treatment is challenging or complex and cannot be routinely treated. We offer specialist periodontal services at our practice in Derby.
What is gum disease?
Periodontal disease, another name for gum disease is usually a combination of dental decay and gum (periodontal) disease. Periodontics is treatment aimed at the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Periodontal or Gum Disease can be divided into various stages:
Gingivitis, which means gum inflammation, is the early stage of gum disease and presents with little or no pain but easily bleeding and swollen, inflamed gums. It does not involve loss of bone or tissue that support your teeth and is reversible and treatable. Gingivitis can be addressed with daily toothbrushing and flossing and visits to your dental hygienist. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more advanced gum disease
Peridontitis , which is inflammation around the tooth , is a more serious form of gum disease , often the result of long standing gingivitis. In this advanced stage of gum disease , spaces or ‘pockets’ form between the gums and the teeth which can allow plaque to form below the gumline leading to infection. The spread of infection can lead to irreversible damage to the bones, gums and tissue in and around the teeth which can ultimately lead to teeth being lost