Smiles are more than just teeth
When talking about oral health and dentistry, it’s easy to just focus on the teeth. After all, many of the treatments we offer are designed to repair, replace, or enhance the appearance of your teeth. But smiles are so much more than just teeth. They’re made up of jaw bones, gums, and more.
Periodontics is a specialty area of dentistry focused on the foundations that support your teeth. It treats conditions such as the two types of gum disease - gingivitis and periodontitis.
Mild gum disease is often easily overlooked. Sometimes, it’s barely even noticeable. But what starts as mild irritation and inflammation of the gums can turn into a serious condition that could cause tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.
Understanding periodontal disease
Periodontal, or gum disease, ranges in severity from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. Gingivitis symptoms include:
- Spots of blood when brushing your teeth or eating
- Redness around your gums
- Mild inflammation
- Soreness around the gums
At this stage, gum disease is easily reversed by improving your brushing technique, reducing sugar consumption, avoiding smoking, and receiving professional dental cleaning treatments.
Without intervention, gingivitis will advance to become periodontitis, the symptoms of which are:
- Bad breath
- Pockets form in the gums around the roots of your teeth
- Tooth loss
- Jaw bone deterioration
How we treat gum disease
The key to treating gum disease is detection. Our dentists and hygienists will often spot the signs of gum disease during routine checkups and hygiene appointments. If they catch it early enough, mild gum disease is treated by making small changes in your lifestyle and brushing routine.
If you notice a change in your gums, book an appointment. We’ll perform an in-depth assessment, physical examination and X-rays for an in-depth look at your gum and jaw health.
As gum disease advances, pockets form around tooth roots. If you have periodontal pockets, we’ll measure them to see if they require treatment
Following any assessment, we’ll create a full treatment plan and discuss any options and what to expect. We’ll use technology like dental lasers and microscopes to assess and treat gum disease.
Root planing is a treatment that removes any bacteria and tartar that have built up below the gum lines of your teeth. Other treatment options include gum and bone grafts that rebuild damaged tissue.
Voices of trust.
Thank you Dr Michael Boulis for your professionalism: You took time to give me clear description & checked I was comfortable at each stage of an intense & difficult treatment : gum & implant. I am truly grateful for the kindness & care you gave me . You did an excellent job, the end result is marvellous. I recommend you to anyone who is scare of dentist & in need of a serious dental care.
Very professional and friendly staff. Made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process.
Great and prompt service!
Frequently asked questions about periodontics in Bromley
Everything patients usually ask before starting their treatment. Can't see your question? We're happy to talk it through.
Is gum disease reversible?
In its early stage, yes. Gingivitis - the mild form - can usually be reversed with a professional clean and some small changes to how you brush and floss at home. Once it advances to periodontitis the damage to bone and gum can't be undone, but it can be stopped and managed. That's why catching it early matters so much.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
The early signs are easy to miss: a little blood when you brush, redness, or slightly puffy gums. As it progresses you might notice persistent bad breath, gums pulling away from the teeth, or teeth that feel loose. Often there's no discomfort at all in the early stages, which is exactly why regular check-ups and hygiene visits are the best way to spot it.
Does gum treatment hurt?
Most gum treatment is more comfortable than people expect. A routine clean shouldn't be painful, and for deeper cleaning below the gum line we can numb the area first so you stay comfortable throughout. If your gums are inflamed they may be a little tender afterwards, but this settles quickly and we'll talk you through looking after them at home.
Can I still have implants or cosmetic work if I've had gum disease?
Often yes, but healthy gums come first - they're the foundation everything else sits on. We'll usually treat and stabilise any gum disease before starting implants, veneers or straightening. As a prosthodontist, Dr Boulis plans how your gums, bite and teeth work together, so your gum health is built into the treatment plan from the start.
Gum care at Bella Dental.
Gum disease can develop at any age. Whenever it occurs, it’s important to seek help early. Get in touch today to schedule your appointment.
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52 High Street,
Bromley.
52 High Street, Bromley
Greater London, BR1 1EG
Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:30pm
Thursdays: reception only (no dentist)
1 min walk from Bromley South · 3 min from The Glades · metered parking outside