Gum Treatment
Expert periodontal care to control gum disease and protect your oral and overall health. Specialist treatment by Dr Ranj Hothi, MSc in Periodontology.
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What is Gum Disease?
Understanding and treating periodontitis
Gum disease (periodontitis) is an inflammatory condition which results in the loss of bone around teeth. It's often called a 'silent disease' because it frequently has no symptoms and goes unnoticed and undiagnosed.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- •Often no symptoms at all (silent disease)
- •Bleeding gums
- •Swollen gums
- •Bad breath
- •Gum recession
- •Loose teeth
The Health Connection
Gum disease has been associated with heart disease, strokes, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and premature births. Evidence suggests it may be contagious. Treating gum disease isn't just about your teeth – it's about protecting your overall health.
Prevalence in the UK
In the UK, it's estimated that 50-90% of the adult population has some degree of gum disease. Severe periodontitis affects 11% of the population. Regular check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment.
Expert Periodontal Care
Dr Ranj Hothi was awarded a Master of Science in Periodontology from the Royal London Hospital, where he was trained in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the gums. At Watlington Dental Centre, we perform a wide range of periodontal therapies to control and stabilise your gum health.
It is important to understand that the treatment of periodontal disease is a partnership between the patient and the clinicians who care for the patient. Achieving and maintaining good plaque removal and attending regular dental appointments are a lifelong commitment.
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATIONTreatment for Gum Disease
A comprehensive, phased approach to restore gum health
Periodontal Consultation
Periodontal charting (measuring bone loss around teeth) is performed for all teeth and diagnostic X-rays are taken to show if bone damage has occurred as a result of the disease process. This allows us to diagnose the periodontal condition and then discuss treatment options.
Oral Hygiene Instruction
This is a critical component in the success of halting the disease progression. We show you how much plaque you leave behind after brushing, and then show you techniques to improve brushing and plaque removal.
The Hygienic Phase
Intensive cleaning below the gums. Periodontal scaling and tooth surface debridement are performed to remove bacteria, plaque, and the resulting calculus and to smooth the root surfaces, making it harder for plaque to congregate in these areas. This is more than the 'scale and polish' that you may be familiar with.
After your gums are numbed, a thin instrument is placed between the gum and tooth in order to remove the infected area. The number of visits needed depends on how much disease you have. A review appointment eight weeks after treatment is needed to see how well your gums have responded and to check your plaque control.
Corrective Phase
When more advanced periodontitis exists, the best result of treatment (decrease in pocket depths and bleeding) can only be achieved with gum surgery. We numb your gums and gently lift them in order to clean and scale the deeper parts of the roots. Exposing the root surface in this way allows us to treat these areas thoroughly. The gum is then secured with soft stitches, which are removed during a short appointment 1 week later.
Supportive Phase
Once the active phase of treatment is complete and gum health is stabilised, it is extremely important that patients are seen on a regular basis (usually every three months) for routine basic cleaning. We call this a maintenance programme. Patients on a maintenance programme have the best chance for prevention of further periodontal disease and maintaining long-term periodontal health.
Why Treat Gum Disease?
Specialist periodontal care to protect your teeth, gums, and overall health with expert treatment and ongoing support.
Duration
Multiple visits
Assessment
£230
Maintenance
Every 3 months
Treatment
From £550
Prevents Tooth Loss
Stops the progression of gum disease and bone loss, helping you keep your natural teeth for longer.
Improves Overall Health
Treating gum disease may reduce risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and other systemic health issues.
Expert Periodontal Care
Dr Ranj Hothi holds a Master of Science in Periodontology from the Royal London Hospital.
Comprehensive Treatment
We offer a full range of periodontal therapies to control and stabilise your gum health at every stage of disease.
Partnership Approach
Treatment success depends on partnership between patient and clinicians, with support for your home care routine.
Long-Term Maintenance
Regular maintenance programme provides the best chance for preventing further disease and maintaining periodontal health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our dental services and practice.
Protect Your Gums and Overall Health
Don't let gum disease progress silently. Our expert periodontal care can control the condition, prevent tooth loss, and protect your overall health. Book a consultation today.
Find Us Easily
Our practice is centrally located in Watlington with convenient parking and public transport links nearby.
Watlington Dental Centre
7 Shirburn Street, Watlington, Oxon, OX49 5BU
Parking
Free short-stay parking available in town car parks just a few minutes' walk away.
Bus Routes
Bus RL30 leaves you nearby
Accessibility
We use ramps for easier access.