Periodontics (Gum Disease)

Dr Conor Donegan is a registered Specialist in Periodontics (List held at General Dental Council - off site link opens in a new window) and accepts referrals for the treatment of all aspects of gum disease. This includes referral from dentists and individual self referrals.

What is Periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease (also called Periodontitis) is commonly known as ‘gum disease’. It used to be called ‘pyorrhoea’ and is very common. In fact, it is one of the commonest diseases in the world. In the UK, one in four adults over the age the age of 40 have experienced or currently have gum disease.

Gum disease is mainly caused by bacteria which form plaque on the inside of the mouth. If this is not removed by cleaning the inside of the mouth, it hardens and forms tartar, scale or calculus. The bacteria can make the gums sore and infected. They will look red and swollen and will bleed easily when the teeth are brushed. This is the first stage of gum disease and is called ‘gingivitis’.

If the tartar gets in under the gums and is not removed, the gum pulls away from the tooth opening up what is called a ‘pocket’. The bacteria in the scale release proteins that break down the foundation bone and gum supporting the tooth. This is the second stage of gum disease and is called ‘chronic periodontitis’. So the gum appears to be receding making the tooth look longer. This is where the old adage ‘getting long in the tooth’ comes from. Without treatment, the bone foundation around the tooth is lost and the tooth drops out.

Signs and symptoms to look for

In general, the whole progression of gum disease is painless, so most sufferers don’t even know that they have it. If left untreated, gum disease will lead to loosening and loss of teeth. It can become quite advanced without being noticed. So, what are the signs or symptoms that you are likely to recognise.

• Bleeding on tooth brushing
• Red, swollen and possibly tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Receding gums ‘long-in-the-tooth’
• Loose teeth or teeth that are changing position
• Pus or discharge around the gums
• A change in the way the teeth bite together.

Who is likely to get gum disease?

There are a number of factors that can make you more prone to getting gum disease. For instance, half of all the known gum disease in the UK is caused by smoking. Smokers are seven times more likely to have problems with their gums.

Gum disease is hereditary and has a tendency to be past on from generation to generation.

Medical conditions such as diabetes reduce the ability of tissues to heal and advanced disease is more common in diabetics.

Treatment of periodontal disease

So, what is the treatment for gum disease? It is essentially based on removing and controlling the bacteria from above and below the gum. This is done at the dental surgery by a treatment called ‘root planing’ or ‘deep cleaning’ and is carried out under local anaesthetic. The patient also has a key role to play by cleaning the mouth twice a day. This involves tooth brushing, cleaning in between the teeth with interdental brushes and floss, and using mouthwashes.

The earlier gum disease is treated the better. In advanced disease, where there is extensive loss of the foundation bone, teeth may even be lost in spite of having treatment.

Back to Specialist Dental Referral Services

Please contact us refer a patient