Periodontics

Maintaining the gums and supporting bone structures with periodontics

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK. The condition can cause gums to recess, removing teeth from their supporting structures. Periodontics is primarily concerned with preventing the progression of gum disease, but also covers gum grafts, gingivectomies and the placement of dental implants.

At Hitchin Dental Care, we have specialist periodontists who have completed extra training to be fully qualified in caring for gums and combating the more destructive effects of gum disease. If you are concerned about your oral health, contact us today to book your appointment. We can also accept referrals from dentists. Please use the online referral system below.

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What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a very common condition caused by the bacteria in plaque, which gradually builds up on the surface of the teeth and eventually hardens, becoming tartar. This can cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums, which is known as gingivitis and is the early, reversible stage of the disease. Hygienists can treat this stage and prevent it from progressing.

If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more serious, irreversible stage that can only be managed rather than cured, and which affects around 10-15% of the population. It can cause pockets to develop between the root of the tooth and the gum, which may result in tooth loss. Periodontists can help halt the progression of the condition.

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Symptoms

Although not always obvious, symptoms of gum disease can include:

Bleeding when you brush
Swollen, red gums
Bad breath or a metallic taste
Gum recession
Sensitive teeth

Regular screening of teeth and gums can ensure any issues are swiftly spotted, helping to slow or halt the disease. It is important to treat gum disease before it worsens, as it has been linked to heart disease and strokes.

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with treating the supporting structures of the teeth, mostly focusing on the health and maintenance of gum tissue. Periodontists are registered specialist dentists who have carried out additional years’ worth of training in this specialised field of dentistry. Periodontists are qualified to help treat more severe cases of gum disease, carry out gum surgery, and place implants.

Refer to our periodontist for the following treatments:

Full periodontal maintenance for severe periodontitis
Gum grafts for receding gums
Gingivectomies
Dental Implants

Accepting referrals today! Use our online referral form

What is the difference between periodontics and hygiene appointments?

Both treatments focus on gum disease, but at different stages. Hygienists can prevent gum disease and treat the early stage of gum disease – gingivitis.

Periodontists can provide a deeper clean around the gum area – root planing – and remove pockets of infection. They help to combat the progression of periodontitis.

A hygienist can complete a basic periodontal examination (BPE), which charts out where you have signs of gum disease, the severity of the condition, and what steps can be taken to maintain the condition. While a hygienist can remove plaque and tartar from the enamel, they cannot carry out periodontal maintenance or gum surgery.

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What treatments are involved with periodontics?

Root Planing

If gum disease has progressed beyond the early, curable stages, it will be necessary to clean under the gums. Root planing involves a deep clean and will need local anaesthetic to prevent any discomfort. This removes any hiding bacterial build-up.

Gum grafting

Where gum disease has caused gum recession, it is possible to use surgery to replace gum tissue and provide teeth with much needed support. We use microscopic surgery for precision grafting, creating a perfectly even finish so no one will know that you have had corrective surgery.

Gum lift

Periodontists can also be called on for cosmetic surgery. If you have excess gums, or a gummy smile, we can use the surgery to remove gum tissue and create a more even finish.

Meet your dentist

Meet our periodontist

Our specialist gum treatments protect smiles of all ages from gum disease and other issues that affect the periodontal tissues. Our specialist periodontist delivers care beyond the hygienist chair, offering treatments that treat and control gum disease, preventing further issues from escalating.

Dr Robert Ward
Specialist Periodontist
GDC Number: 67854

View Dr Robert Ward’s Profile

BDS, LDS.RCS (Eng), MSc (Periodontics)

GDC No. 67854

Rob qualified at the Royal London Hospital in 1992. After a spell in general practice in Essex and central London, he started his MSc in Periodontlogy at the Eastman Dental Institute in 1995. In 2001 he was accepted onto the Specialist list. In 2005 he set up a Multi -disciplinary Specialist Practice in Milton Keynes. He lectured locally on a range of Periodontal subjects to his referring colleagues and set up a local study group. Rob sold his practice in 2014 and has been a peripatetic Periodontal Specialist. Robert combines Practice with a teaching role at Guys Dental Hospital. He lectures in Periodontology as well as helping to run Consultant Clinics. He enjoys supervising students in the care of their patients. Rob is delighted to receive referrals from his colleagues and is happy to use his expertise to treat patients with all ranges of Periodontal disease.

See what our patients say…

Choosing the right periodontist is a big decision. You want someone who is skilled and experienced. Here at Hitchin Dental Care, we’re committed to providing exceptional gum disease treatment in a comfortable and welcoming environment. But don’t just take our word for it, see what our patients have to say about their experiences with us.

FAQs

What conditions does periodontics in Hitchin treat?

Periodontics is the specialist field of dentistry focused on the health of your gums and the foundational structures supporting your teeth. The main condition treated is advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, which is the serious, aggressive stage that occurs when early gum inflammation is left untreated. Periodontists are experts qualified to diagnose, manage, and halt the progression of this destructive disease. They also address issues resulting from gum disease, such as gum recession, by performing specialised surgical procedures like gum grafts, and are often involved in complex cases requiring gingivectomies or the placement of dental implants.

How can periodontics help prevent tooth loss?

Periodontics plays a critical role in preventing tooth loss, as severe gum disease (periodontitis) is unfortunately the top reason people lose their teeth in the UK. When this disease progresses, it attacks and destroys the structures that securely hold your teeth in place, causing the gums to pull away and the supporting bone to deteriorate. By providing deep cleaning treatments like root planing to remove hidden bacteria under the gum line and, when necessary, performing gum grafts to replace lost tissue, the periodontist can effectively stop the disease's progression. This specialist care helps to restore and maintain the foundational support, keeping your teeth firmly and healthily in place.

Are periodontic treatments painful or uncomfortable?

While the idea of specialist gum treatment may sound uncomfortable, periodontists prioritise your comfort throughout the process. For most non-surgical procedures, such as root planning, a necessary deep cleaning beneath the gum line to remove hard bacterial buildup, a local anaesthetic is used. This fully numbs the specific area being treated, meaning the procedure itself should be free of pain. Your specialist will ensure you are relaxed and comfortable, making the experience no more difficult than having a regular filling.

Can periodontics improve my overall oral health?

Absolutely. Improving the health of your gums has benefits that reach far beyond just your mouth. Your gums are the essential foundation of your smile, protecting sensitive tooth roots and supporting strong, healthy teeth. By treating and controlling advanced gum disease, periodontics significantly reduces the levels of harmful bacteria and chronic inflammation in your body. This reduction is a vital step for your general wellbeing, as chronic gum disease has been scientifically linked to serious systemic conditions like heart disease, strokes, and complications with diabetes. Specialist gum treatment helps to protect both your smile and your overall health.

What are the latest techniques used in periodontics at Hitchin?

Our Hitchin periodontists utilise advanced, cutting-edge techniques to ensure the best functional and aesthetic outcomes for their patients. When treating issues like gum recession, for instance, they employ microscopic surgery for incredible precision during delicate procedures such as gum grafting. This detailed approach allows for accurate tissue placement and handling, resulting in a perfectly even, natural-looking finish. This focus on precision means the treatment is not only effective in healing and supporting the tooth but also provides superior cosmetic results that are virtually undetectable.

How do I know if I need a periodontics consultation?

You should consider a specialist consultation if you notice persistent or concerning signs of gum problems that your general dentist or hygienist hasn't been able to resolve. Common symptoms include having gums that are red, tender, or swollen, experiencing bleeding when you brush or floss, noticing persistent bad breath or a metallic taste, or seeing signs of gum recession (where the tooth looks longer). While your dental hygienist treats the early stage of gum disease, they will often recommend a referral to a periodontist if your condition has progressed to the more serious, irreversible stage known as periodontitis. Regular dental screenings are the best way to catch these issues early.