Periodontal Services

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and the bone that supports your teeth: It is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults around the world.

• Causes

Poor dental hygiene habits, like not brushing and flossing regularly, can lead to plaque build-up that hardens into tartar/scale, this then causes inflammation of the gums around the teeth and can also affect the bone that surrounds the roots of the teeth. Other risk factors include smoking, hormonal changes, certain illnesses, and genetics can aggravate gum disease.

• Symptoms

Symptoms include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Gum disease isn’t always painful, so you might not realise you have it.  It is the most common cause of tooth loss in the adults

• Types

The two most common types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is reversible, while periodontitis is not, but it can be managed with treatment.

• Treatment

A dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar with a professional cleaning. A dentist may refer you to a periodontist, who is a dentist that specialises in gum disease diagnosis and treatment.

• Complications

If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to bone loss around the teeth, which can cause teeth to loosen or fall out. In older people, the consequences of periodontitis can be more serious and lead to chewing and eating issues. More recent research is showing periodontitis is linked with other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and gut health, so healthy gums will help contribute to systemic health.

Our fees for a consultation are £240 for a comprehensive and in depth 1 hour consultation, further fees for treatment will always be discussed in advance so you will be very clear about what is being recommended and the costs.

When should I see a periodontist?

You should see your own dentist as soon as possible if you have bleeding, tender, or swollen gums. If your dentist needs to do more than a routine cleaning, or the bone loss around your teeth is advanced for your age, they will refer you to a periodontist. The good news is that the majority of cases of gum disease can be controlled when identified early enough, and even advanced cases can be controlled with the intervention of a periodontist. If you are worried, you can come to see our periodontist Dr Tarjomani and book an appointment directly!

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specialises in the health of the gums and jawbone, which are the tissues that support your teeth. They are also known as gum specialists

Dr Seyed Ali Tarjomani has undergone many years of additional training and passed rigorous exams before they can recognised as specialists by the general dental council. Because of their additional training they are able to treat and manage complex periodontal problems and also can carry out a range of treatments

What treatments can our periodontist do?

• Scaling and root planning, this can be carried non-surgically and surgically if required.

Removing tartar/calculus and bacteria from teeth which can form hard deposits above and below the gum line is very important. Smooth clean roots which are bacteria free will reduce gum swelling, bleeding and allow them to reattach to the root surfaces.

• Surgical procedures

Can include gum pocket reduction surgery, guided tissue regeneration, flap surgery, and gum grafts to correct gum defects such as receded gums.

• Regenerative procedures

Can involve grafting using natural bone or synthetic bone or using tissue-stimulating proteins and collagen to encourage the body to regenerate soft tissue and bone. This can be used to cover exposed root surfaces, or thicken the gums to make them tougher and more resistant to further recession.

• Crown lengthening

Reshape excess gum tissue to improve the appearance of a smile that looks very gummy. Or can be used when teeth are very short and need to be made longer to allow crowns or composite bonding to be carried out.

The types of treatment will depend on what stage of gum disease you may have.

Please contact us for an appointment at reception@stdunstansdental.co.uk or use our contact form.