More on Periodontics

What has caused the disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth in the sticky colourless film which constantly forms on your teeth and is known as dental plaque. This does not necessarily mean that your teeth are not being cleaned properly, but some individuals are more susceptible than others. What begins as sore, reddened gums (gingivitis) progresses to periodontitis as plaque grows below the gum line. The gums then separate from the teeth, forming pockets which become infected with harmful bacteria.

Factors such as smoking, stress, a sugary diet and pregnancy can make you more vulnerable. Scientists now think there is also a genetic tendency towards the disease in the most severe cases. Other conditions such as diabetes, in which the immune system is compromised, can also leave you more prone to periodontal problems.

"Severe periodontal disease occurs in 50 per cent of smokers"

Why is a referral necessary?

Periodontal disease may progress from gingivitis and result in difficulty in chewing, abscess, bad breath, severe pain and loss of teeth. The effect of harmful bacteria entering the blood stream can lead to heart abnormalities, stroke, respiratory disease and in pregnant women, underweight or premature babies, or even miscarriage.

It is dangerous to take these unnecessary risks when effective and lasting help is at hand from the specialists at Dental Specialists Windsor.

What happens next?

When we have all your details we can arrange an initial consultation. This will enable us to assess your condition, discuss options and likely outcome and draw up a mutually agreed treatment plan. We will work closely with you at all times and our aim is to give you the most appropriate advice and treatment for the long term retention and restoration of your teeth and gums.

What will my treatment cost?

Treatment will be tailored to your individual needs and will be explained to you, together with an outline of the costs involved, at the time of your initial consultation.

Periodontal disease is a serious and increasing concern. Modern scientific research has shown that while 50 per cent of British adults have moderate disease, 15 per cent have a severe form. The last Adult Health Dental Survey (2009) reported that only 17% of adults had very healthy periodontal tissues although 75% of adults claimed to brush their teeth twice a day. Periodontal disease is rising in frequency particularly among people over 45 years old. It is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults and it is under-diagnosed.

Don’t add to those statistics, an early referral to Dental Specialists Windsor and their highly qualified Periodontist can ensure a positive outcome all round.

How can we help you to keep your natural dentition?

At Dental Specialists Windsor we place a high value on helping our patients retain their natural dentitions, whenever possible.

However, advanced periodontal disease can cause loss of teeth when untreated, in which case tooth-replacement options may need to be explored.

Fortunately for the vast majority of patients, periodontal treatment is very successful and their natural dentitions can be maintained for many years.

Sometimes the effects of periodontal disease are such that teeth may have taken on an unsightly appearance by drifting or displacement within the dental arch.

Sometimes there is visible loss of supporting structure such as gum or bone and this can be very challenging to restore.

Rest assured that at Dental Specialists Windsor, we only offer the most effective, scientifically proven, evidence-based treatment options in order to you to help retain and restore you natural dentition.