At Carisbrooke Specialist Dental Centre, we have the privilege of a true “Periodontal team”. José and Cristina are both specialist periodontists and University academic and clinical teachers. With the support of a group of very skilful and experienced hygienists, they provide the highest standard of periodontal care to our patients.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontitis (usually known as Gum Disease) causes permanent tooth, gum and bone damage. Dental plaque (bacteria) causes inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. In certain individuals, this condition leads to bone loss and gum recession.
Without proper management this situation can evolve to expose more and more of the roots until the teeth become loose and can eventually fall out. 70% of adult tooth loss is caused by gum disease. It is often called a silent disease because there may be no pain or obvious symptoms, until the disease becomes advanced.
Periodontics focuses on the health and treatment of gums, working to correct and prevent damage caused by gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum diseases. Maintaining healthy gums is the foundation of a confident smile.
Our periodontal team will work with you to develop a comprehensive dental plan that achieves the healthy gums and smile you deserve. This involves examining the health of your entire mouth, including your gums, teeth, and bone. Qualified specialists like José and Cristina can guide you in the right direction to an improved, healthy mouth. They understand the difference between good and outstanding dentistry.
What are the symptoms and causes?
If your gums bleed when you clean your teeth or floss this is a sign of inflammation of the gums and possible infection which can indicate the presence of periodontal disease.
Your gums may look red and swollen and you may notice your teeth becoming more exposed eventually becoming mobile and unstable.
Halitosis (bad breath) or experiencing an unpleasant taste in the mouth can also indicate the presence of infection and disease.
Dental plaque is a main cause of gum disease. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth and gums. When it is allowed to remain on the surface of teeth it turns into a hard substance called calculus (or tartar).
Lifestyle risks
Poor oral hygiene can cause periodontal disease and regular attendance to a dentist and dental hygienist is essential.
Smoking tobacco can affect the progression of this disease as it impairs the body’s immune system response to plaque and disrupts the healthy flow of blood to the soft tissues in the mouth which can prevent the healing of infection.
A diet high in acidity and sugar can also contribute to poor oral health.
Some medicines and treatments can affect your oral health.
General health link
There is growing scientific evidence that there may be a causal link between periodontal disease and other systemic illnesses such as diabetes and cardio-pulmonary (heart) disease.
Carisbrooke periodontal treatment
You may have self-referred to Carisbrooke if you have noticed any of the symptoms above and are concerned about your dental health, or your general dentist may have referred you for specialist treatment. Our team carries out a range of services including:
- Active treatment of gum disease, hygienist maintenance and monitoring using well-established protocols based on individualised risk assessment
- Corrective microsurgical procedures and regenerative techniques including grafting of gums and bone
- Management and correction of gum disease around implants (“peri-implantitis”)
- Assessment of suitability for implants in compromised gum disease situations
- Cosmetic gum procedures.
- Your referral will be managed by a team of specialists and experts within the field of periodontology and each case is managed on an individual basis taking into account the variety of factors that may be contributing towards your condition, and which may have an impact upon your treatment plan options.
During your first consultation our team will:
- Gauge your general health and medical history
- Find out about your lifestyle
- Assess your symptoms and signs
- Complete a full mouth assessment and take any necessary x-rays
- Produce a report of findings and discuss these with you and your referring dentist
- Offer and discuss treatment options including costs
- Produce reports of findings for you and your referring dentist.