Periodontal Gum Treatment

Are your teeth loose and moving? Do you have bleeding and a bad taste from your gums?

These are all common signs of periodontal disease where the bone that supports the teeth is starting to break down and cause periodontal pockets. The bone is the foundation of our teeth and without the bone we wouldn’t be able to maintain our teeth and smile.

If periodontal disease is left untreated in may lead to further bone loss and deeper pockets which can then fill with plaque and tartar and lead to long term tooth mobility and even tooth loss.

Patients who suffer from advanced gum disease known as periodontal disease may require a deeper level of cleaning. This treatment is called root surface debridement (RSD), which involves the cleaning of periodontal pockets and the roots of teeth sometimes under local anaesthetic.

Cosmetic work would not be carried out on patients until their periodontal health was treated and stable.

Why The Parks Dental?

We have an amazing and award-winning team of dental hygiene and therapists which between them have over 40 years’ experience in dentistry, with specialist interest in periodontal disease and it's treatment.

At The Parks Dental we aim to provide very through and detailed gum care to ensure that patients understand the disease, its prognosis and long-term care plan. It is vital that patients are informed and aware of their gum condition and how to care at home on a daily basis.

We believe that the time spend on diagnosing and treating gum disease is of paramount importance, as well as spending the time to teach you how to care for the teeth and gums at home. Together, we can work to maintain the periodontal tissues and long-term care for the foundations of your smile.

Frequently asked Qs

How often will I need gum treatment?

Periodontal disease is often a long-term condition that needs to be closely monitored for many years. Your therapist will perform regular 6-point pocket charts which are in-depth records of the pockets and bone levels around each tooth. Patients would be recommended an appointment with a hygiene and therapist every 3 months.

Does RSD Hurt?

RSD is usually performed under local anaesthetic and treated 1 side of the mouth at a time. Depending on how many teeth need treating, it may be over 1-2 sessions close together. Some patients chose to have the treatment without any numbing and may experience sensitivity from the water on the tooth roots.

Will my gum disease go away?

Whilst it is not possible to replace the broken-down bone loss, it is important to maintain and stabilise periodontal disease which is a combination of home care and regular treatment. Without excellent home care including toothbrushing and using interdental brushes daily it is likely the bone loss will continue, eventually leading to possible tooth loss. The aim of RSD is to treat the areas under the gum and maintain the bone loss whilst aiming to reduce the depth of the pockets. It will be recommended to attend for treatment every 3 months with regular x-rays and pocket charts to closely monitor the condition.