One of our main priorities at Advance Dental Clinic is preventing oral diseases. We want you to enjoy good dental and general health and offer a range of services to boost oral health and keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. Our preventative dental team is made up of two dental hygienists and a visiting periodontist.

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About gum disease

Gum disease is a common condition but highly preventable. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and causes symptoms such as swollen, sore gums and bleeding, especially after brushing. It is caused by a build-up of plaque along the gum line, with the majority of people suffering from gingivitis at some stage. However, there is relatively easy to treat. If plaque is allowed to harden along the gum line, known as tartar, this is much harder to remove and requires a trip to the dental hygienist.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, is an advanced form of gum disease. Unlike gingivitis, this condition is difficult to treat and can cause irreversible harm to the teeth and gums. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. As bacterial infection spreads to the deep gum tissue, it can also affect the bone tissue supporting the gums, causing pockets to form between the gums and the teeth, until teeth eventually become loose and potentially fall out. Periodontal disease can also cause abscesses to form, which are often painful.

Smoking

Smoking is harmful for oral health and general health, increasing the risk of gum disease and causing teeth to become discoloured. It is particularly dangerous for people who have periodontal disease, as it slows the body’s natural healing process by preventing the steady flow of blood to the gums. Our dental hygienists will be happy to discuss methods of quitting smoking and we are always on hand to help and support you.

How can a dental hygienist help me?

Visiting a dental hygienists once or twice a year can help to prevent oral health diseases and ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Hygienists can:

  • Clean your teeth thoroughly and remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line
  • Polish your teeth to remove stains and give them a glossy finish
  • Educate you about oral hygiene and ways to prevent oral health problems
  • Advise you about giving up smoking
  • Advise you about nutrition

Visiting a hygienist will leave you with an amazing deep-clean feel, shiny, healthy teeth and fresh, clean breath.

What does a periodontist do?

A periodontist is a specialist in caring for the gums. If you have symptoms of advanced gum disease you will be referred to a periodontist for treatment. When you see a periodontist this is what will happen:

  • The periodontist will examine your mouth thoroughly and take X-rays and measurements.
  • They will then compile a personalised treatment plan with the aim of treating existing problems and helping you to stay healthy.
  • The periodontist will clean your teeth to prevent further infection, including the tooth roots and the gums, under local anaesthetic to prevent any pain.
  • Any decayed or diseased tissue will be removed and medication placed on the affected tissue and pockets to facilitate healing.
  • Regular check-ups will be arranged to check your progress and a maintenance plan drawn up to prevent further problems. The hygienist will also become involved at this stage.

Periodontist Essex FAQs

Can a periodontist reverse gum disease?

Can a periodontist extract a tooth?

Can a periodontist save my teeth?

Why choose Advance Dental Clinic for periodontic treatment?