Gum disease in Ealing

There are primarily three different types of gum disease. These are:

• Gingivitis. This is the earliest stage, where the only symptoms are usually slightly swollen, painful and bleeding gums. At this stage, gum disease can be reversed by improving your oral hygiene routine and attending appointments with your IKON dentist and hygienist.
• Periodontitis. This is a more advanced stage of gum disease, where the gums start to recede and form pockets between the teeth and gums. These collect bacteria and debris and can become infected. Unless treated, the infection can cause tooth loss and penetrate the jawbone and cause it to deteriorate.
• Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis. This is a serious form of gum disease that develops suddenly and must be treated as soon as possible. As well as the usual signs of gum disease, it’s usually accompanied by a fever and a general feeling of illness.

The treatment that you will be offered will depend on the stage of gum disease you are diagnosed with, but could include: 

• Scaling and root planing: this is a deep clean of your teeth, both above and below the gum line. Tooth roots are also smoothed to make it easier for the gums to reattach to them and close periodontal pockets.
• Antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwashes: which will help counteract serious infection.  
  
• Surgery: this may be required to remove diseased tissue and repair gums and any bone that has been lost. This could involve laser treatment to shape the gums, soft tissue or bone grafting. Laser treatment is considered to be safer, more accurate and less painful than conventional surgical gum reshaping. 
  

If you are concerned about gum disease, our dedicated dental team would be delighted to help. Whether it’s an initial appointment that you need, or you’ve got a referral to see our specialist periodontist team, please contact our West London dental practice on 020 8997 2888 or book your appointment online.