Periodontal treatment

Periodontal treatment is the treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease) by removing hardened on plaque, known as calculus, from above and below the gum line and most importantly spending adequate time instructing the patient on how to correct clean their teeth. This treatment is then reviewed on a 6 monthly or 3 monthly basis depending on the severity/ activity of the periodontal disease.

The calculus removal is done using specialist instruments and occasionally with local aesthetic in order to minimise any discomfort during the procedure, as such it may be done over one or two visits depending on how much calculus removal is required.

The second aspect of treatment, instructing the patient how to clean their teeth, may sound simple but is actually the most important part of the treatment. If the patient is not show how to do this the calculus will continue to reform and their periodontal disease will continue to progress. The old saying of 2 minutes brushing, twice a day is often misleading as this applies to the average patient with minimal dental work in their mouth. Quite often patients have crowns, large fillings, bridges, dentures or implants which may well need additional tools such as floss, interdental brushes, or water flosses to adequately clean around.

 FAQs

 

  • A scale and polish is used to remove small deposits of plaque, calculus and staining from around the teeth and give pointers on areas where oral hygiene could be improved, used to treat gingivitis. Think of this like the quick, automated car wash.

    Periodontal treatment is the removal of large deposits of calculus from both above and below the gum line (often using anaesthetic) and spending sufficient time instructing and demonstrating to the patient areas where different cleaning tools are needed, used to treatment periodontal disease. This is more akin to a full valet cleaning.

  • No, before your treatment your dentist will assess any areas they expect to be uncomfortable and use appropriate anaesthetic. Whatsmore if you experience any discomfort the dentist will have no issue in topping up anaesthetic to keep you comfortable.

  • For some patients yes. However in a lot of cases additional cleaning aids are required to clean in between the teeth and around any complex dental work such as crowns, bridges etc. The only way to know for certain is to visit your dentist and take their advice on the most suitable cleaning regime for you.

  • The most common signs of gum disease are: bleeding on brushing, swollen or red gums, generalised discomfort around the mouth, regular bad bread or a bad taste in your mouth.