Periodontics in Enfield

Our periodontists in Enfield specialise in treating diseases that affect the gums and bones supporting the teeth.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is a chronic inflammatory condition in which bacteria found in dental plaque accumulates below the gumline. Eventually, this inflammatory response to bacteria can lead to breakdown of gum tissue and loss of supporting bone. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Periodontics is dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases.

Types of Gum Disease

Gingivitis

There are two main types of gum disease – the mildest is gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). The most common symptoms of gingivitis are: 

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing

Gingivitis is reversible and is most often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. If you opt for specialist gum disease treatment at our North London clinic, we’ll help you adapt your cleaning regime so your gums can heal and your overall oral health can improve. 

Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Over time, plaque and bacteria accumulate  below the gumline and harden into tartar, which triggers a chronic (long-term) inflammatory response. Without periodontal treatment, this inflammatory response can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

How Gum Disease Affects the Body

Stage 1: Healthy Gums – Light, pink and firm.

Stage 2: Gingivitis – Swollen and reddened gums that bleed easily.

Stage 3: Mild Periodontitis – Some deeper pocketing with mild bone loss.

Stage 4: Moderate Periodontitis – Loose gums and significant bone loss visible.Stage 5: Severe Periodontitis – Extensive bone loss and mobile (wobbly) teeth.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is often ‘silent’ – meaning you may not notice the symptoms until an advanced stage of the disease. As it progresses, you may notice: 

• Red, swollen or tender gums

• Bleeding gums while brushing, flossing, or eating

• Receding gums

• Loose teeth

• Pus from between gums and teeth

• Persistent bad breath

• Shifting teeth

Gaps between teeth

The Periodontal Treatment Process at Chase Side Dental in Enfield

Phase 1: Periodontal assessment and treatment planning

We’ll examine your gum health thoroughly with measurements and X-rays to produce your bespoke treatment plan. We’ll measure the size of any gingival pockets and take X-rays to determine the extent of any bone loss. After your assessment, we’ll explain our clinical and radiographic findings, and then discuss your treatment options.

Phase 2: Deep clean

Deep cleaning, also known as non-surgical periodontal therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment to prevent the progression of periodontal disease. We’ll perform a deep clean beneath the gumline, removing plaque, bacteria and other toxins from areas that brushing and flossing cannot reach. This will reduce the risk of the disease advancing.

Phase 3: Re-assessment

At your next appointment, we’ll conduct a re-assessment to see how you are responding to the treatment. We’ll carry out a clinical examination like the one in your initial consultation, in order to determine if further treatment is necessary.

Phase 4: Surgical periodontal treatment

If you still have inflammation or deep pockets after non-surgical periodontal treatment (deep cleaning), we may recommend surgical options such as flap surgery, bone grafting or other regenerative procedures. These minimise the depth of the pockets and reduce the risk of further disease progression and tooth loss.For more information regarding surgery, please see our Perio Treatment Post-op Information Leaflet

Phase 5: Periodontal maintenance

If your periodontal treatment has reduced pocket sizes to a stable level, we recommend a maintenance phase. We recommend arranging thorough check-ups on your teeth and gums every 3-6 months, tailored to your needs, to ensure the stability of your gum health.

Periodontal Treatments

Gum Contouring

If your teeth appear short, you may have asked your periodontist about procedures to improve a “gummy” smile. There may be no problem with the length of your teeth, but they are covered with too much gum tissue. This can be fixed by a dental crown lengthening procedure performed by your periodontist.

By reshaping excess gum tissue and bone tissue, the dental crown lengthening procedure reveals more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth to even out your gumline, or to several teeth to create a wide, natural-looking smile.

Gum Grafts

Gum recession – from age, over-brushing, or periodontal disease – leads to exposed tooth roots. Gum grafting surgery will repair the defect and help prevent further recession and bone loss.

Grafts can be used to cover roots or to restore gum tissue where it has been lost due to excessive gingival recession. A gum graft is a surgical procedure in which your periodontist uses gum tissue from your palate to cover an exposed root. It can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gumline and reduce sensitivity.

Benefits of gum graft surgery

• Gum grafts can prevent further bone loss and recession
• Covering exposed roots prevents decay 
• Gum graft surgery can reduce tooth sensitivity
• Improved periodontal and oral health
• Speak, eat and smile with confidence

Non-surgical periodontal treatment

Non-surgical periodontal treatment is the initial, minimally invasive treatment we will provide to prevent the progression of gingivitis or periodontitis. We will clean the plaque below the gumline using ultrasonic instruments which are designed to reduce any discomfort. After this, we’ll work with you to prevent future plaque buildups and will arrange careful follow-up. Refer a patient

Maintaining Healthy Gums

Maintaining healthy gums is important not only for your oral and dental health, but for your health overall. By following these oral hygiene steps, you can take care of your gums and reduce the possibility of complications in the future. 

Brush properly – Use a toothbrush with medium bristles to clean your teeth twice a day. 

Focus on the gum line – Brush along the gum line (where plaque and bacteria build up) to prevent inflammation. 

Clean between your teeth daily – Use floss or interdental brushes to clean the areas between your teeth where a normal toothbrush cannot reach. 

Change your toothbrush – When bristles get frayed it can reduce the effectiveness of your toothbrush, so replace your toothbrush head every 3 months. 

Don’t rinse with water just after brushing – If you clean your teeth and then rinse your mouth out, this can wash away the fluoride from the toothpaste. 

Avoid smoking – Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease, as it reduces blood flow to the gums and impairs healing. 

Reduce sugar – Eating foods with a lot of sugar can fuel the growth of plaque-producing bacteria. We recommend reducing the amount of sugar you eat. For more detailed recommendations, ask your dentist. 
Visit the dentist regularly – Our professional team in Enfield will clean your teeth professionally, spot any issues if they occur and give you comprehensive advice on how to care for your gums.

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