Periodontology

Periodontology studies the hard and soft tissues surrounding the teeth, diagnoses the diseases that affect them, treats those diseases and maintains the health that has been regained.

What gum disease looks like

Gums that bleed when brushing, that look red or swollen, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel longer than they used to are all signs worth checking. Gum disease is usually painless in the early stages, which is why it is often noticed late.

Why it matters

The gums and the bone underneath are what hold the teeth in place. When inflammation goes untreated, that support is lost slowly and cannot be fully rebuilt. A tooth with no decay at all can still be lost this way.

Treatment

Treatment starts with removing plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line, and with cleaning the root surfaces. In more advanced cases further procedures may be needed to reach deeper areas.

Keeping the result

Gum health depends on what happens between appointments. Daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth, and regular check-ups so any recurrence is caught early, are what keep the result. Smoking both worsens the disease and slows healing.

The state of your gums is assessed after an examination and, where needed, radiographs.