Gum Disease Treatment
At Heathcote Dental Surgery, we recognise that healthy gums form the foundation of lasting oral health.
Your Local Gum Disease Treatment Dentist for Optimal Oral Wellness
At Heathcote Dental Surgery, we understand the vital connection between healthy gums, strong teeth and overall health. When your gums are in good shape, they provide the necessary support to keep your teeth strong and stable, preventing bacteria from entering your body. This makes it even more important to be vigilant about gum disease, which can be a silent threat in its early stages. It often shows no visible symptoms and causes minimal discomfort, making it easy to go unnoticed. However, early detection is key to preventing the disease from progressing to its advanced stages and causing more significant oral and physical health issues down the road.
As part of our dental care services, we offer personalised gum disease treatments to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Prevention is at the heart of what we do and we believe that a healthy smile goes beyond just teeth. With our compassionate and patient-centred care, we aim to empower you to take charge of your oral health, so you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and bad breath. Fortunately, the right treatment and improved oral care can help reverse its effects and restore your gum health.
When plaque accumulates on the teeth and gums due to inadequate brushing and flossing, it creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. These bacteria release toxins that irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and the onset of gingivitis. One of the telltale signs of gingivitis is persistent bad breath, though this as often as not is absent.
As gingivitis progresses, the infection may spread below the gumline, causing the gums to recede and form pockets between the teeth and gums. This marks the transition to early periodontitis, the second stage of gum disease. In early periodontitis, the bacterial toxins continue to break down the tissues that support the teeth, leading to increased pocket depth and potential tooth mobility.
Without timely intervention, the condition can further worsen, advancing to moderate periodontitis. During this stage, the supporting tissues and bone around the teeth suffer more significant damage, exacerbating pocket depth and tooth stability.
The final and most severe stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. At this point, the bone and connective tissues that hold the teeth in place are severely damaged, resulting in tooth loss, shifting of teeth, and impacting your overall oral health.
At Heathcote Dental Surgery, our dental team is here to support you at every stage of gum disease, providing personalised treatment and guidance for optimal oral wellness.
What to Expect When You Come for Gum Disease Treatment
Our first step in gum disease treatment is to conduct a comprehensive oral examination to assess the extent of the disease. We will carefully evaluate your gums for signs of inflammation, bleeding, and pockets that might have formed around the teeth.
Gingivitis Treatment
To combat gingivitis, our dental practitioners may recommend a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar (also called calculus) buildup that cannot be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing alone. Our thorough cleaning will target the bacteria below the gumline, reducing gum inflammation and allowing your gums to heal.
Patient Education
Patient education is a fundamental aspect of our gum disease treatment. Our team will take the time to discuss proper oral hygiene practices, emphasising the importance of brushing and flossing regularly. We will provide you with personalised toothbrush instructions, pinpointing areas that may need extra attention to ensure you are cleaning your teeth and gums optimally between dental visits.
Progress and Monitoring
As you progress through the treatment, you will notice a positive change in your gum health, leading to improved oral hygiene and fresher breath. Regular check-ups will be scheduled to monitor your progress and maintain your gum health over time.
Periodontitis Treatment
If gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, you may need a more tailored treatment plan to address the damage to the gum tissues and supporting bone.
Our dental team is there to provide comprehensive periodontitis treatment, aiming to stabilise the condition and preserve your oral health. We will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the extent of periodontitis and develop a personalised treatment approach to help get your gum health back on track.
Take the First Step Towards Healthy Gums with Heathcote Dental Surgery
At Heathcote Dental Surgery, our aim is to provide preventive dental care, negating the need for extensive and invasive procedures. Our comprehensive gum disease prevention strategies, including regular checkups and cleanings, help identify and address any early signs of gum disease, preventing it from progressing to more advanced stages.
We value your comfort and strive to create a welcoming environment during your dental visits. Our compassionate team is readily available to address your concerns and provide the support you need for a stress-free experience. This means that you can openly discuss any dental issues or concerns without fear of judgement. Whether it’s discussing treatment options or seeking advice on maintaining oral hygiene, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Talk to our dentist for further guidance on gum disease treatment and prevention.
