Periodontics

Do you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth or bad breath that you can’t seem to shift?

Perhaps your gums are red and swollen and have been bleeding when brushing and flossing your teeth, or you’ve got recurrent abscesses growing under your gums?

You could have periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease (or gum disease, as it’s more commonly known) affects over half of adults in the UK, so if you’re suffering, you aren’t alone. And luckily, there are many things we can do to help here at Shawlands Dental Care.

To find out more about how our periodontists in Glasgow can help treat your gum disease, talk to our reception team today!

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases.

During an appointment with a periodontist, they will review your dental and medical history, and conduct an in-depth examination of your teeth and gums to devise the most suitable treatment plan.

This can include both surgical and non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing, gum grafts, laser treatments and dental implants.

Here at Shawlands Dental Care, our Glasgow periodontists have decades of experience in treating gum disease, so you can be confident you’re in the best hands whenever you come to us.

Why would I go to a periodontist in Glasgow?

There are a handful of reasons why you might need to see a periodontist in Glasgow, with most patients seeking periodontal care for gum disease or dental implant treatment.

Periodontists are skilled in many other areas than this though, and you could benefit from their expertise if you need:

• Tooth removal
• Bone grafting to regenerate bone loss after tooth removal
• Soft tissue grafting and tissue sculpting

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing is the removal of bacteria from within enlarged gum pockets. 

Your Glasgow periodontist will measure the size of the pockets to decide whether you need scaling and root planing treatment.

Periodontal flap surgery

Some patients with serious gum disease benefit from periodontal flap surgery. During this treatment, the periodontist incises the gums to expose the roots of the teeth with deep pockets. The bacteria and debris are cleaned and disinfected so the gums can heal.

The periodontist may add liquid medication to the site to help the ligament and gum tissue regrow before stitching the area closed.

Your periodontist will remove all plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth and roots. Then they will smooth out the surface of the roots to help the gums re-attach to your teeth and prevent a further build-up of bacteria.

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy involves removing and reattaching the gum tissue in and around a tooth or teeth to treat gum disease or lengthen the height or width of a tooth.

A local anaesthetic is used to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure. You can request sedation if you are a nervous patient.

Once the procedure is complete a surgical dressing is placed in and around the teeth and gums. The dressing remains in place for about a week. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can aid the healing process.

You can trust the expertise and compassionate care of the Shawlands Dental Care team. Book online or call us on 0141 632 1378 to make an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions