Periodontics

Periodontics deals with the tissues around the tooth: the gums and the bone that hold it in place. A tooth can be sound in itself and still work loose over time because those tissues are diseased.

The early signs are gums that bleed when you brush, bad breath, sensitive necks of the teeth, and gums that recede. The disease does not hurt for a long time, so it is often first noticed at a check-up, which is why the measurements are part of a routine examination rather than a separate appointment.

Treatment starts by measuring the tissues around the teeth and removing plaque and calculus. Where the disease has advanced, the root surfaces below the gum are scaled and planed; local antimicrobial care or a protective varnish may be added.

The measurements are recorded, so that at your next visit it is possible to compare what has changed. Without that comparison, any assessment of progress is only an impression.

Much of the outcome rests on daily care at home, so we show you brushing and interdental cleaning on your own teeth rather than in general. Periodontal disease is chronic: what has been lost does not come back on its own, but with treatment and regular check-ups its progress can be stopped.