Gum disease also known as Periodontal disease, is a very common condition that affects most adults with natural teeth at some point. If it is left undiagnosed and untreated it can affect the health of your gum and often lead to tooth loss. If it is treated early on by either dentist, hygienist or periodontist then effects can be reversed.
So if you are looking for gum disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in Camden or anywhere in London then NW1 Dental Care can help. We offer a range of periodontal treatments in London and have helped our patients maintain healthy gum and prevent periodontal disease.
Gum disease is gum infection where the soft tissues surrounding the teeth(gums) become inflamed due to bacteria. It is a very common problem that can easily be treated but if neglected then in severe form can destroy the bone that supports your teeth leading to loose teeth or loss of a tooth.
The primary cause of gum disease is a plaque which is a sticky, colourless film that forms on your teeth on daily basis. Plaque is composed of numerous strains of bacteria that stick to your teeth, roots, and gum line. Plaque starts to build up within minutes after you brush and floss your teeth and if it is not removed with proper oral care then it will harden into calculus or tartar. Initially, plaque can be easily removed by regular brushing twice a day and flossing. However, if plaque remains on the teeth then it will harden into calculus or tartar for which you will need to get professional deep cleaning or periodontal treatment at a dental clinic.
If untreated the bone loss will make the tooth loose and eventually fall out. The bone loss could be irreversible, and so we target to prevent the bone loss before it’s too late to save your teeth.
You might not even know you have gum disease and it can progress undetected as it’s difficult to diagnose it yourself since it’s not painful and you might not show any obvious symptoms. This is one of the reasons, it’s important to visit your dentist for regular 6 monthly check-ups. Some of the common signs of periodontal disease are :
The initial stage Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth (the gums) which become inflamed due to bacteria. Symptoms include swollen, red-looking gums that tend to bleed on touching, brushing or flossing. If this is not treated swiftly then the gum can actually pull away from the tooth leaving pockets where plaque can be deposited and harden to calculus which can lead to further bleeding spontaneously, bad breath and a funny taste. Gums can also recede (shrink) exposing the root of the tooth which can result in sensitivity to hot and cold due to exposed dentine.
This is the chronic form of gingivitis where the inflammation has progressed to bone loss resulting in pockets between the teeth and gums. The bone loss if extensive can make the tooth mobile, affecting chewing and speech. These loose teeth can start moving position. At this stage the goal is to stabilise the condition with periodontal treatment to prevent further progression to maintain the teeth for as long as possible.
Periowave Process :
The dentist will first perform a deep cleaning in the affected area or all of the mouth. A specially formulated photosynthesizing blue solution is then applied around the gums in the affected area. The blue solution preferentially attaches to the harmful bacteria and toxins which are remaining and are associated with periodontal disease.
The Periowave non-thermal, light-diffusing tip is then inserted into each treatment site for 60 seconds destroying the harmful bacteria and toxins painlessly and without the use of antibiotics. Results are often immediate and include healthier less red looking gums, less bleeding, and no more bad smell.
The dentist will discuss your concerns and do a thorough examination of your gums. If required some X-rays may be taken of certain teeth to complete examination. The dentist will share the findings and provide a treatment plan along with answering any of your questions.
Dental plaque : It is thin colourless film that builds up on your teeth on daily basis. It contains numerous bacteria which if not removed hardens to form tartar. The gum react to this tartar leading to gun disease. Proper brushing and routine dental clean at a dentist can prevent this factor
Smoking : It is one of the major contributor leading to gum disease and also affect how well the patient will respond to treatment. Quiting smoking does reduce the risk of gum disease and better prognosis of your treatment
Genetics : If anyone in your family have a history of gum disease then you are more susceptible to get this condition. If this is the case then regular dental check-up or contact the clinic if you observe any symptoms related to gum disease
Medical conditions : Certain health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and kidney disease could make your gum disease worse.
How to prevent gum disease
If you leave your teeth untreated then , the pockets may deepen and gradual bone loss will make tooth loose, more gum infection and eventually loss of teeth.
After periodontal treatment your gums will become healthier, which will help you keep your teeth longer. Improvements will depend on how good you clean your teeth and the initial extent of your gum disease. If before the treatment your gums bleed or are swollen, this should improve. You may also notice your breath feeling much fresher.
Most patients return back to work without any complaints. However, some might experience little teeth sensitivity while having cold food or drinks.
Gum disease can reoccur so its important to note that you take care of your gums post treatment. Brush twice a day, floss and have routine hygiene appointment s at clinic to get check-ups and remove any bacterial deposits accumulated around your gums or teeth.
Normally first sign are bleeding gums , followed by loose teeth and then teeth drifting leading to gaps.. We recommend having regular routine check-ups with your dentist to pick any early signs.
The best way to prevent gum disease is to take good care of your gums and teeth.
The primary risk factor for gum disease is poor oral health. Other additional risk factors include
• Weakened immune system
• Malnutrition
• Stress
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes in girls and women, particularly during pregnancy
• Certain medications
• Genetics
The length of the treatment depends on the type of treatment and the number of things carried out. Gum surgery requires around 2 hours
Patients will get a local anesthetic injection to numb the areas where they require gum surgery. However, you may experience some postoperative pain within 1-3 days while goes away as you heal.
You can get the price of Periodontal Treatment once the dentist has examined your teeth and the cost of gum treatment will depend on the type of treatment recommended by the dentist. However, bear in mind that it’s cheaper to get the gum treatment than to replace teeth missing teeth or tooth which occurred due to untreated gum disease.
Testimonials
I’ve been a client since 2018 and my experience has been AMAZING. From reception to end of procedure all the staff involved are always extremely friendly and professional. So far I have had Invisalign and whitening with Anima as well as many small treatments and I’ve always been impressed with the quality of service the whole team provides.
Daniel Danailov, London
Lovely environment and staff! There were some issues with communication that I expressed previously with things taking longer than expected, however, the team went above and beyond to make sure that everything was going on the right track! I’m thankful for their time and effort and excited to see my results for my zoom whitening!
Abigail Xo, London
So impressed with the staff and dentists at NW1. They are welcoming, always professional and have done a fantastic job on any treatment I’ve had done. Lidiya is super friendly and accommodating.
I most recently had zoom whitening course and composite bonding treatment, I’m so thrilled with the results I’m going back for more :). I’ve recommended to my friend who will be coming in soon for similar treatment.
Lisa Szego, London
First Class practice who helped me with implants. I would highly recommend them. Thank you for help, support and advice. Splendid Service!
Peter James, London
After having 3 consultations for Invisalign in London, i decided to go with NW1 Dental Care. Not only do they have fantastic price compared to other clinics but their service right is amazing. The way they listened to my concerns and explained me everything in consult showed how they are different to other practices. On top of that, service all throughout the Invisalign treatment was great ! Finished my treatment and really happy with the results ! Thank you NW1 Dental Care team.
Andrew Smith, London
I came over to NW1 Dental Care in July 2020 from Finest Dental after they went bust. I’ve been continuing on my Invisalign treatment with them ever since (as well as had a few fillings plus a root canal) and although the Finest Dental fiasco (!!) was stressful at the time, it was a blessing in disguise, I cannot fault NW1 Dental Care at all. From the receptionists (love Lydia!!) to the actual dentists, it’s always a pleasure visiting them. They always listen to me and make sure I’m comfortable, are prompt in booking appointments and generally just great people to be around. I’ll be quite sad when my treatment comes to an end, but rest assured they have a loyal patient in me now and wouldn’t think of going anywhere else for treatment I may need in the future.
Charlotte Meekings, London
Best dentist experience!
I am usually very anxious when going to the dentist but doctor Ioana made me feel at ease and comfortable at all times. She takes time explaining every procedure and makes sure it is all painless. All staff are kind and professional! I highly recommend this practice.
Mihaela Croitor, London
At first I came here for laser zoom whitening and the results were great. I contacted the team at NW1 Dental Care for further whitening as my teeth were slowly going back to normal and they suggested I do a 12 day home treatment and the results have been amazing! My teeth look whiter than ever and I prefer this over other treatments such as veneers. The team are kind, caring, and will genuinely go out of their way to help you and make sure you’re satisfied. I can’t recommend them enough. Huge thanks to the receptionist and dentist who helped me! Hope to come again soon when I need some more gels!
Mr. Rest, London
Professional and polite. Answered phone immediately for appointment, and even called me back to book earlier when they got an opening. Cleaning done by Dentist (though I’m fine with a trained Assistant), and she was super nice, informative, and great “bedside manner”. Has occasional promotions for things (whitening, hygiene) and now even has monthly plan starting at £15! Quick walk from the metro in a nice area.
Christopher Drew, London
Luke I, London