Periodontics in Reading

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The health of your gums is essential to your overall oral well-being. Gums act as the foundation of your smile, providing crucial support and protection to your teeth. When gum tissue becomes under attack by bacteria present in tartar and plaque, it can progress to gum disease. This is easy to treat in its early stages, but if left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, which is a life-long condition.

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What is periodontics?

Periodontics is the field of dentistry concerned with maintaining the health of gums and supporting tissues. This includes treating gum disease, carrying out gum treatments such as gum grafts, and placing implants.

Periodontists are dentists who have completed additional years of training to become registered as a specialist. They are best suited to help people with aggressive periodontitis, keeping on top of the condition and preventing it from causing further damage.

Meet our Periodontist

You may have been referred to a specialist periodontist by your general dentist. Our specialist in periodontics, Dr Mital Patel, accepts referrals from practices all over the southeast of England. He graduated in dentistry, with honours, from Cardiff University in 2012 and attained the membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons in 2013.

Read his full bio

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What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a condition caused by the immune system reacting to the presence of bacteria in plaque deposits on your teeth. Plaque builds up because of food debris attracting bacteria. Regular brushing removes most plaque that builds up during the day, but some areas are hard to reach, particularly around the gum line and between the teeth. These plaque deposits irritate the gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed.

This stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. The symptoms include swollen and red gums, bleeding gums, sensitivity to temperature, and halitosis.

If left untreated, the gums start to recede as the tissue breaks down. This forms pockets between the gum and tooth, creating vulnerable areas for bacteria to enter. This more destructive stage is periodontitis and can be controlled through maintenance. If left to continue, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

How can gum disease be treated?

Prevention is always better than cure, but gum disease can be treated and controlled. At the early stage, we can solve the condition with regular visits to the hygienist. Great interdental cleaning at home will also do much to keep gums clear of the disease.

Hygienists perform a thorough assessment to track and treat signs of gum disease. They also clean the teeth with a scale and polish, removing stubborn tartar from areas that are hard to reach with a conventional toothbrush.

For more serious cases of gum disease, a dentist or periodontist can scale the tartar from deeper below the gum line. Local anaesthetic is needed for this treatment.

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Other gum treatments

In some cases, we may need to replenish lost gum tissue that has become under attack. Gum grafts can restore lost tissue and encourage healing. We can also carry out cosmetic gum surgery to address a gummy smile, elongating the crowns of the teeth.

Book your periodontic consultation

To book your periodontic consultation, please give us a call on 01189 333 121, email us at reception@oaktreedentalpractice.co.uk, or use the form to send us a message.

Dentist referral

To make a periodontic referral, please click here

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FAQs

What causes gum disease?

Plaque and hard deposits of tartar are the main causes of gum disease. The most common reason for gum disease is that people do not clean their teeth and gums as often or as thoroughly, as they should, so it is essential that you maintain a good dental care routine to remove all the plaque from your teeth. However, there are factors that will mean that some people are more likely to get gum disease, such as:

Smoking and drinking excess amounts of alcohol, which are also linked with mouth cancer
Drugs, medicine, and hormonal changes can affect your gums
Some diseases, such as diabetes can weaken gums and bones and therefore, increase the risk of disease

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a term used to describe the inflammation of gums. It is the first stage of gum disease, where the gums become red and swollen and may bleed when brushing your teeth.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a deeper form of gum disease that affects the bone supporting the teeth. Left untreated, periodontitis may eventually result in teeth having to be extracted, as some of the bone is lost and teeth become loose. You can prevent periodontal disease from getting worse by maintaining a good dental care routine and making regular visits to your dentist or hygienist.

What should I do if I suspect that I have gum disease?

You should visit your dentist for an examination so that they can check your teeth and gums and prescribe what treatment is required. Usually, the dentist will illustrate how to clean your teeth effectively to remove all the plaque.

What can I do to help prevent gum disease?

Dentists also recommend using a small-headed toothbrush with ’rounded’ bristles, so that it doesn’t cause any damage to your gums. Brushing alone will not remove all the plaque from between your teeth. Using dental floss is extremely useful here. Your dentist or hygienist is best placed to advise you on which cleaning methods are best for you.