Should the gum disease (periodontitis) be at a severe or advanced stage, we have in-house periodontists who can provide a consultation to assess and plan future treatment, manage the case personally, and review for progress. This in-house service allows prompt, efficient and comfortable treatment. Periodontists are trained to perform certain surgeries that address gum problems that cannot be addressed by nonsurgical treatments.
Periodontist Weybridge
Gum Specialist Weybridge
Periodontal treatment – Non-invasive treatments are the first choice for treating problems with the gum. Gum disease causes pockets of tissue to form around the teeth. The bigger these pockets, the more space will be available for bacteria to thrive. These bacteria can destroy gum tissue and bone, leading to tooth loss. The most common procedures are scaling and root planing.
Scaling involves carefully cleaning the root surfaces to get rid of plaque and calculus (tartar) that form in the pockets of tissue that separate the tooth from the bone. Root planing removes bacterial toxins by smoothing the root of the tooth. Additionally, the periodontist at Weybridge Dental Clinic may apply antimicrobials to the gums to kill any additional bacteria. For many people, this treatment is sufficient but needs to be maintained on a regular basis.
Periodontal Treatment Plaque and calculus first need to be removed. The pocket depths can be measured using a special probe. It slips easily into the pockets. Filling the pockets with Dentomycin kills the bacteria. The clean pockets start to heal. The depth of the pockets is measurably reduced.
Regenerative procedures
These surgical procedures help regenerate bone and tissue destroyed by bacteria. First, bacteria are removed and after, bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins are used to help regenerate these structures.
Crown lengthening
A periodontal procedure that lengthens the tooth by removing excess bone and gum tissue. This can be a purely cosmetic procedure to reduce the appearance of a “gummy” smile. It is also performed to prepare the mouth for other cosmetic or restorative procedures.
A short procedure to improve the gum-line. In some cases, the gum can simply be trimmed back.
In other cases the bone and gum need to be cut back. A flap of gum is lifted the bone is trimmed and the gum replaced. This can have a significant effect on appearance.
Soft tissue grafts
When the gums recede, the roots of the tooth become exposed. This can cause sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. For some, it is an appearance issue and the procedure is purely cosmetic. Soft tissue grafts can cover exposed roots and help regenerate new tissue.
