If you have been diagnosed with a form of gum disease, the initial treatment is normally non-surgical periodontal therapy. The aims of this treatment are to reduce inflammation and the depth of pockets around the gum disease affected teeth.
Prior to starting treatment, Dr Shah will go through a tailored programme of how to clean your teeth. This is a vital aspect of treatment which can improve outcomes and help to maintain long-term stability. We will check that you are comfortable in performing the cleaning yourself and your compliance will be monitored throughout.
The treatment itself entails the removal of bacteria below the gum line through a minimally invasive technique. We typically carry this out under local anaesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable. On occasion, Dr Shah may prescribe antibiotic tablets to improve treatment outcomes when deemed appropriate.
Treatment is typically carried out over multiple appointments, as we will focus on individual areas during each appointment. Appointment times vary from 60-120 minutes. Following completion of the prescribed treatment, you will be advised to return for a reassessment visit to assess your response to the treatment.
The benefits of the treatment include:
- Reduction in inflammation, noticeably less bleeding
- Reduction in halitosis
- Reduction/resolution of deep pockets
- Reduced mobility of loose teeth
- Increased lifespan of teeth
- Removal of staining
Risks include:
- Mild post-operative pain which can be managed with painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
- Short term sensitivity to hot/cold food & drink. This is well managed with sensitive toothpaste such as Sensodyne.
- The recession of the gums may occur following treatment. This can be noticed with slightly longer teeth and larger spaces between the teeth. You will be informed if this is likely to have an impact on your aesthetics when smiling. Dr Shah will offer options to improve the appearance of your teeth if this is of concern to you.
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