If your gums have reached an advanced stage of gum disease, you may require periodontal treatment.
This is the area of dentistry that covers the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (Gum) disease and includes oral hygiene instruction, superficial and deep professional cleaning, gum surgery (cosmetic and non cosmetic) and the placement of dental implants.
Deep cleaning (Also known as root debridement)
Sometimes, gum disease becomes established and deep pockets between the gum and teeth develop of 5mm or more may develop and become an ideal environment for bacteria.
Calcified deposits (calculus) in these pockets make the tooth surface rough so it is harder to keep clean and bacteria continues to collect where a toothbrush cannot reach.
This then leads to bleeding, soreness and further deepening of the pocket. If these pockets are left untreated the resulting loss of supporting bone will result in tooth loss.
We offer root surface debridement, which is the careful cleaning away of all bacterial deposits and inflamed tissue from the root surface of the tooth and below the gums under local anaesthetic.
Root surface debridement requires a much longer appointment and quite often under local anesthetic, especially if there are a number of deep pockets and it is often necessary to organise a sequence of appointments so that all the pockets can be cleaned.
The aim of the treatment is removal of the diseased tissue and bacterial deposits in the gum pockets so re-attachment of the gum to the tooth can take place so and the pockets reduce to 3mm or less with no bleeding.
If you require periodontal treatment, we will review your medical and dental history to establish the context of your gum health. We will ask about the kind of medications you take, if any, and whether you are pregnant or receiving treatment for heart disease or diabetes. Your periodontist will examine your gums and may take X-rays to observe the health of the bone below your gums. It may be recommended that you undergo more complex treatment or that you attend regular cleanings to prevent your gums from becoming inflamed.
