Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a prevalent oral disease that affects many people worldwide. The condition is characterised by inflammation and infection of tooth-supporting structures, resulting in symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gum lines. The primary cause of gum disease is the accumulation of bacterial deposits on the teeth root surfaces, leading to a localised chronic inflammatory response. When left untreated, gum disease can cause significant gradual but long-term damage to oral tissues and could lead to serious health complications such as atherosclerosis, atheroma, coronary vascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer disease, low-birth child syndrome and premature parturition, the evidence-based scientific association studies have suggested. Therefore, early diagnosis and effective treatment of periodontitis is crucial in managing this condition. This article written with the help of highly experienced periodontist in London and will discuss the various gum disease treatments available and the importance of seeking specialised care from periodontal specialists.
Non-Surgical Treatments
The initial stage of gum disease treatment involves non-surgical procedures aimed at the elimination of the bacterial deposits to promote the gum healing. The most common non-surgical treatment is scaling and root surface debridement, a procedure which involves deep root surface cleaning performed by dental professionals. During this procedure, the dentist or hygienist removes the hardened bacterial deposits or the calcified biofilm from below the gum line using specialised tools to smooths out the roughened calculus on the root surfaces to prevent further accumulation of bacteria. Scaling and efficient root surface debridement are pivotal in treating mild to moderate gum disease and can be performed under local anaesthesia.
Additional use of antimicrobial agents such as mouth rinses and gels has been advocated as chemical root disinfection adjunctive to the conventional non-surgical gum disease treatment. Some antimicrobial agents may involve the local or systemic application of antibiotics that eliminate or prevent the regrowth of pathogenic bacterial.
They are often used in conjunction with scaling and root surface debridement to improve treatment outcomes especially in patients with compromised manual dexterity, compromised immune system or in aggressive types of gum disease (periodontitis) caused by systemic disease and conditions. Additionally, dentists may recommend lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, improving oral hygiene practices, managing the underlying health conditions such as diabetes, obesities etc., and in some cases homeopathic remedies.
Surgical Treatments
In more advanced cases of gum disease cases, surgical interventions may be indicated especially when explorative, corrective or regenerative approaches are indicated. The primary aim of surgical treatments is to eliminate the granulation tissues, hard deposits of calcified biofilm, damaged periodontal tissues and to promote the periodontal tissue regeneration. The most common surgical procedures include:
Flap surgery: This involves reflecting the gum tissue to access the tooth root surfaces in order to remove the bacterial deposits. After efficient root surface debridement, the gums are passively readapted to heal under favourable condition.
Gum grafting: This is a regenerative surgical procedure aimed at restoring the lost or receded gum tissues. During this procedure, a small piece of gum tissue is taken from a donor area of the mouth and grafted onto the affected area to promote soft tissue augmentation, and root coverage and alleviate tooth hypersensitivity.
Bone grafting: This procedure involves the use of bone replacement materials to regenerate lost bone tissue caused by gum disease. The procedure involves placing small pieces bone grafting materials in the bone defect area, which gradually will be biologically consolidated, integrated, and eventually replaced by a new bone to promote regeneration.
Periodontal Specialist Care
Seeking specialised care from periodontal specialists is essential in the effective management of gum disease. Periodontists are dental professionals who specialise in the appropriate diagnosis, efficient treatment of gum disease, and, long-term maintenance of the periodontal health. They have advanced training and experience in performing both non-surgical and surgical interventions, while can provide individualised periodontal care tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
If you are looking for a highly expert periodontist or a dentist in London, contact London Specialist Dentists in Chelsea and Kensington. Dr Nico Kamosi and his team have extensive knowledge and experience in both non-surgical and regenerative aspects of the gum disease treatment. The clinic is well-known as one of the top periodontal clinics in London, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced professionals who provide high-quality personalised care to their patients. They strive to create a welcoming, comfortable, and safe atmosphere while delivering efficient service to maintain good oral health. If you are interested in seeking treatment, contact London Specialist Dentists in London today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards healthy gums and teeth.
