Services

Gum disease

 

What is Periodontal Disease?

The term periodontal refers to the area around your teeth and this disease affects the gums, bone and ligaments that support them. These structures, essential foundations for teeth for life, are damaged by bacterial infection. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many and can result in bleeding, pain and tooth loss if not treated. The damage caused to bone and gums is irreversible, but proper treatment and aftercare can prevent further harm. In some cases other medical problems are linked to severe gum disease.

 

 

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 Pritlove-Carson Associates.

 

Why Pritlove-Carson Associates?

Our periodontal therapies go beyond what is normally offered by general dentists. Pritlove-Carson Associates are experts in their field and offer a range of highly successful treatments that work with your natural tooth formation and aim to keep you pain free and with the best possible long-term outlook.

 

We will treat you confidentially, cost effectively and in pleasant surroundings with state-of-the-art equipment and the very latest techniques. Our committed team will keep you fully informed at all times and work with you to select the best choices for the treatment and future management of your periodontal disease.

 

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. The cost of this initial consultation is currently £90.

 

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 (1998) reported that although levels of tooth decay were falling due to good preventive measures, periodontal disease was 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 Pritlove-Carson Associates and their highly qualified Periodontist can ensure a positive outcome all round.

 

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Periodontal Specialists

Marlborough and Windsor