Periodontology

Periodontal disease

Periodontal (gum) disease refers to the inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth. Initially, disease starts as bacterial populations grow with failure to adequately remove plaque with effective oral hygiene techniques. Initially the gums become red, swollen, tender and bleed when brushing. Bad breath can also be a symptom.  This is the earliest stage of disease and is called “gingivitis”. This is reversible and can be managed with improved oral hygiene. Professional cleaning, together with Oral hygiene instruction is beneficial. Left untreated, disease may progress. Periodontitis is when the gum condition progresses beyond gingivitis into a chronic, destructive, irreversible inflammatory state. The bacteria penetrate deeper into the gum and bone tissues. tissues and surrounding periodontium. The invading bacteria trigger a host response (this is a reaction of living tissue to the presence of a foreign material) in defence. However, while trying to protect against the invading bacteria, the host defences also lead to the destruction of the periodontium (the supporting structure for the teeth, consisting of periodontal ligament, cementum, gingiva, and supporting bone).

Symptoms include bleeding gums, bad breath and loose teeth; however disease progression can often be insidious, progressing unbeknownst.

Regular dental examinations are essential for early diagnosis. Without treatment, tooth may become inevitable.

Why Choose Us?

We have dedicated teams of skilled clinicians who embrace interdisciplinary collaboration, within cutting-edge facilities, and are committed to your goals, providing you with the smile you deserve. Experience the difference today.

why-ch-grd-icon-1

Free Cosmetic Consultations

Discover exceptional dental care with a Free Cosmetic Consultation, tailored to your needs and delivered by skilled professionals.

why-ch-grd-icon-2

Bespoke Treatments

Experience tailored dental care personalised to your unique needs for a healthy and confident smile.

why-ch-grd-icon-3

Locally Owned

We own and operate five dental practices across South Wales making us your perfect local choice.

why-ch-grd-icon-4

Modern Equipment

Experience advanced dental care with the latest technology and patient-friendly modern equipment.

why-ch-grd-icon-5

Rated 5 Stars

Trust our top-rated dental care, backed by 5-star customer reviews, for exceptional service and satisfaction.

why-ch-grd-icon-6

Friendly Team

Experience our friendly and supportive team of dental experts and practice staff all here for your treatment journey.

why-ch-grd-icon-7-1

30+ Years Experience

Rely on over three decades of dental experience for expert patient care and peace of mind in your dental journey.

why-ch-grd-icon-8

Luxury Experience

Feel at ease at our dental practices, providing an inviting and comforting environment for your dental care.

Meet Our Periodontal Team

Dr Gabriella Leatherdale-Tiba
Clinical Lead in PeriodontologyGDC No: 214556
DMD (2011), MSc (Periodontology, 2022)

I treat patients with periodontal disease referred to me by other dentists both with conventional therapy (root surface debridement, bone regeneration surgeries) as well as using laser (waterlase) where it's necessary....

Sally Hooper
Dental HygienistGDC No: 4717
Dip DH (Cardiff University, 1994)

I'm passionate and motivated in helping patients with their dental health. Encouraging them their use of daily toothbrushing and interdental cleaning....

What is PRGF?

With powerful regenerative properties, platelet rich growth factor Endoret® (PRGF) is being increasingly used in many fields, such as plastic surgery, dental implantology, and the treatment of sporting injuries. It has been shown to reduce scarring, rejuvenate facial tissues, as well as accelerate healing. Endoret claims to have “better osteoblastic (bone regenerating cells) properties and demonstrate lower post operative pain than other blood concentrates.” PRF releases growth factors over a longer period than PRP, offering more sustained benefits for skin repair and regeneration.

What is a CBCT Scan?

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. Your dentist may use this technology to produce three dimensional (3-D) images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan

What does a CBCT test for?

Dental CBCT is a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular dental  x-rays are not sufficient. Your dentist may use this technology to produce three dimensional (3-D) images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan.

What will happen during the treatment?

Following a thorough facial analysis and detailed discussion of the proposed treatment plan, the treatment can be started straight away, but often a separate appointment will be booked. Injections are used to administer the filler into the skin with a very fine needle causing little discomfort. However, dental local anaesthetic can be administered to provide completely pain free dermal filler administration. The gel is injected into the skin in small amounts immediately lifting and smoothing out wrinkles with the natural volume it provides.

Which practice should I join?

The Cox & Hitchcock Dental Group operates several dental practices across South Wales. Fot your convenience, we would recommend joining us at your nearest location to home or work . For some advanced treatments, you may benefit from the services offered at a particlar site. We will advise you accordingly. You can find your nearest dental practice by browsing all our locations.

Find Your Nearest Practice

What is L-PRF

Leukocyte- and patelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is a newly developed platelet concentrate that has successfully been used in a number of surgical procedures to optimise wound healing. Several studies indicate that it may also have the ability to stimulate bone formation.

What is a Dental Implant?

A Dental Implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It serves as a stable foundation for attaching prosthetic teeth, offering a durable and natural-looking solution.

What’s the difference between NHS and Private?

NHS dental care will help you secure and maintain oral health provides a basic level of dental care. Fees are set by the Department of Health and will be the same with every practice with a contract to provide NHS dentistry.

The NHS does not provide any cosmetic treatments such as  tooth coloured fillings in posterior teeth, bleaching and certain types of crowns. Check-ups and periodontal care are bound by certain criteria. Your dentist is required to reassess how often you should attend. Appointments are made when available. We are contracted each year, at each individual practice, to see a number of historic patients (those that have attended for an examination within a set number of years) as well as a number of new patients. Funding of each practice varies, which also determines NHS treatment availability. We are obliged to spread that work throughout the year; this can result in longer waiting times for NHS care. Please also be aware, your examination recall for NHS treatment is determined by disease presentation at your examination visit, and is set using Welsh Assembly Government guidelines.

Private dental care at our practices provides all treatment options and will make all advanced and cosmetic treatment options available to you, giving you a larger choice of treatment options.

Our team will be happy to discuss these options with you during any consultation.

All of our dentists are committed to postgraduate education and continued professional development.

This additional experience reflects our level of commitment to high clinical standards.

Early morning and evening appointments are available for your convenience. Items requiring laboratory work will be carried out by the most experienced technicians using the best quality materials. Your treatment will be prioritised and completed as soon as possible.

All work is guaranteed within reason for 12 months, unless you have been informed by your dentist, on a like for like basis, with the exception of some private treatment which can be guaranteed for up to 5 years or longer.

What is a Dental Implant?

A Dental Implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It serves as a stable foundation for attaching prosthetic teeth, offering a durable and natural-looking solution.

Can I have orthodontic treatment on the NHS?

We are not funded by the Local Health Boards to provide orthodontic services. All orthodontic work carried out at our practices is done so under a private treatment agreement. Generally, only patients under the age of 18 are eligible for an NHS orthodontic referral. Your dentist will offer to put you on a waiting list an NHS orthodontis, provided you fulfil the referral criteria. Irregularities of teeth which are less than 4mm out of line (e.g. open bites of less than 4mm) or deep bites with no functional problems will not qualify for NHS treatment.

How long does the treatment take?

Treatment time is approximately 30 minutes.

What are the possible side effects?

Teosyal dermal filler is a considered a very safe medical substance which is highly biocompatible and biodegradable. A local anaesthetic may be used to minimize any discomfort at the time of injection. Bruising, redness and some slight swelling at the site of treatment does sometimes occur, although rarely lasts more than a few days.

How can I join the Practice?

Please contact our reception team who will be happy to discuss your options for joining the practice.

Contact us

What are the benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental Implants offer numerous advantages, including improved speech, enhanced chewing ability, preservation of facial structure, and a natural-looking smile. They can also help secure full or partial dentures, providing a more comfortable and secure tooth replacement solution.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Transform Your Smile with Cosmetic Treatments: Whitening, Veneers, Implants, and Orthodontics. Achieve a fresh look or a complete mouth makeover with our attractive solutions.

Veneers

Veneers offer a solution to radically improve the appearance of discoloured, misshapen or mis-aligned teeth.

Composite Bonding

Discoloured, misshapen or crooked teeth can often be improved with the modern technique of composite bonding.

Orthodontic Teeth Straightening

If you are unhappy with a mis-aligned smile why not ask your dentist about the options that are available to improve it.