As your local Sheffield Dentist, we provide a full range of hygiene treatments, including treatment for gum disease. We are here to support your overall oral health and treating gum disease early is really helpful in management of the disease. Seeing your dentist regularly is very important to help in preventing dental problems.

What is gum disease?

Periodontal Disease (PD) is the name for advanced gum disease that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The main culprit is plaque. Ultimately, failure to remove plaque from the teeth allows the bacteria to migrate under the gum level and destroy the fibres and bone that hold your teeth in place. 

Am I at risk of PD? 

Anyone can get PD, but there are factors that increase your risk such as:  

• Poor oral hygiene  

• Smoking – smokers lose three times more teeth than non-smokers  

• Diabetes  

• Stress  

• Age  

• Genetics 

Symptoms

• Bleeding gums    

• Red/swollen gums  

• Bad taste/ breath  

• Loose teeth  

• Sensitivity 

What if I don’t have treatment? 

Bone loss is irreversible. If any bone loss around the teeth is not controlled then teeth may become loose, gums shrink and in some cases infection may occur. This can lead to tooth loss. The more advanced the disease the harder it may be to treat. This is why as your local Sheffield Dentist, we encourage periodontal treatment for those diagnosed with gum disease.

What can I do to help? 

Your role in the management and stabilisation of the disease is crucial. We will show you techniques to help you clean your teeth, so that the plaque levels do not trigger your body’s inflammatory response. This level is unique to you. Without this change in home care, our treatment is less likely to be successful. Controlling your risk factors is an important part of helping yourself control your disease. There is no ‘quick fix’ and the stability of PD will require ongoing care and dental appointments with us, your Sheffield Dentist. 

Can PD be cured? 

Periodontal disease can be treated successfully, however, we cannot cure it. By stabilising the disease, we can prevent further damage, and help you to keep your teeth for a longer. The benefits of keeping your own teeth:  

• Comfortability – dentures can be difficult to tolerate  

• Cost effective – Implants / Dentures / Bridges are all more costly than periodontal treatment  

• Confidence and pride in having your own teeth 

What is involved in the treatment at your Sheffield Dentist? 

Oral hygiene advice is tailored to your individual needs. Once you are successfully controlling the plaque build-up, we will help by removing the deposits that you cannot reach or are firmly attached to your teeth. Measurements are taken to assess the severity of your gum disease and help to measure future improvement. This can take time and you may require several treatment appointments subject to how severe the disease is.

X-rays of your teeth and surrounding bone may be advised to help assess and monitor your PD. Treatment may be done by your dentist or dental hygienist at Sandygate Dental, your local Sheffield Dentist. Once your teeth and gums are clean, the dentist or hygienist will clean below gum level onto the roots of your teeth to create a smooth, bacteria-reduced environment to promote healing. This can be uncomfortable, however, local anaesthetic (numbing) is an option you can discuss with your clinician. The treatment does not work overnight and the harder you work at home the faster things tend to improve. 

Will there be any side effects of the treatment? 

Due to the fact there has been irreversible bone loss, when the inflammation is resolved it is likely that you will experience some gum shrinkage and possibly some sensitivity. These are unavoidable side effects and you must remember that failing to control the disease may result in tooth loss.  

Why do I need regular visits?

These appointments are for supportive Periodontal Treatment. The good oral hygiene regime you have adopted at home must continue if the disease is to remain stable. Appointments every three or four months are important to closely monitor your gum health and catch any warning signs that PD may be progressing early. 

Want some further advice?

Want to know more about how Periodontal Disease, and how to care for your oral health? You can visit the website of The British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry here:

Have more questions?

Please contact us if you have any questions about our dental hygiene services.