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 gum disease?

Gum disease is a very common infection of the tissues supporting your teeth.

What is Botox®?

Botox® is a purified protein which when injected into a muscle leads to a temporary muscular relaxation. Frown lines, forehead, and laughter lines are all caused by the repeated contractions of facial muscles: relaxing these muscles with Botox injections is a quick, safe and effective way to smooth and soften wrinkles.

What are the side effects?

There may be slight discomfort as the needle enters the skin, and there is the possibility of a small bruise at the site of the injection. There are many myths and horror stories circulating in the media: any concerns you may have will be addressed thoroughly prior to treatment. No long term side-effects have been reported.

Is orthodontics the best thing for me?

Orthodontics is one option of many in treating an irregular, crowded or spaced dentition. Seeing our team will help you find out the different options available, before you proceed along any path.

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

How long will the treatment last?

This will vary from individual to individual. It very much depends on factors such as a person’s age and lifestyle, the structure of the skin, and the degree of correction required. Most clients choose to have a repeat treatment within a year, since the main component of both products (hyaluronic acid) is a natural substance which dissolves over time.

What will happen during the treatment?

At a free initial no-obligation consultation, we will undertake a thorough facial analysis and detailed discussion before proposing an appropriate treatment plan. If you decide to proceed, you will be booked back for a treatment appointment where the actual procedure takes just 15-20 minutes and involves a small number of injections of Botox® solution directly into the muscle groups that cause wrinkling.

How much will it cost?

All treatment plans will be discussed with you at the examination appointment, along with associated costs.

Complex treatments, may need multiple visits to complete the investigations needed prior to providing an estimate. This will be printed at reception, or if preferred emailed to you.

Please look at our Fees page for more details.

See Our Treatment Fees

How quickly will I notice an effect?

There will be no immediate visible changes, and you will be able to return to your normal daily activities following treatment. The full effect of the treatment will develop over the following 2-14 days.

What is the aftercare following implant surgery?

Folowing implant placement, we will provide you with appropriate medication, including a mouthwash, and written post operative instruction detailing aftercare and what to expect. You will experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort. The extent of which will depend on the treatment complexity, as well as your general health. We advise sticking to a soft diet, avoidance of alcohol and smoking, as well as no strenuous excercise in the first few days after surgery.

This will all be discussed with you at your visits.

What is the difference between these Plasma products?

There are numerous PRPs, PRfs, PRGFs on the market, each claiming to have certain advantages. Leukocyte and PRP (L-PRP) maintain their white blood cell count but have a low fibrin matrix. Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) have no white blood cells but a high fibrin matrix. The PRFs release release additional growth factors over time.

This can be all very confusing. Your dentist will discuss all options at your visit.

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.

Is root canal treatment always successful?

With all procedures there is a possibility that it may not work. This applies to root canal treatment as well as any other treatment. There are a variety of reasons why it may not work. some of these reasons include but are not limited to:

Failure to adequately disinfect, leaving bacteria in the canal system, resulting in recurrence of infection.

Failure to instrument all the canal system.  In some teeth the root canals can be incredibly small (often as small as one tenth of a millimetre across or even smaller). Dentists who carry out a lot of root canals usually utilise high powered magnification to help them find and treat such small canals.

Failure to fill and seal the root canals adequately, allowing bacteria from the mouth to reinvade the root canal system and set up infection again.

Inappropriate instrumentation technique that does not allow for adequate disinfection and sealing of the root canals.

Severe fracture of the tooth leaving remnants that cannot be fixed again.

If the dentist feels there is a significant risk of treatment failure, possible causes will be discussed, so you can make an
informed decision regarding treatment.

Is laser treatment painful?

Patients experience minimal to no discomfort either during or after the procedure. Most laser applications use little, or in some cases no anaesthetic and avoid the use of traditional dental drills and instruments.

Bridges

Dental bridge treatment offers a natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth. Consisting of crowns and false teeth, bridges fill the gaps, restore smiles, improve functionality, and maintain the alignment of existing teeth.

Laser Dentistry

Laser Dentistry offers precise, minimally invasive treatments for gum disease, reshaping, and cavity removal. It uses advanced laser technology for faster healing and minimal discomfort during procedures.

White fillings

White fillings are a natural-looking alternative to amalgam. Made from tooth-coloured resin, they effectively repair tooth decay or damage while seamlessly blending with your teeth for a discreet restoration.

Cfast Fixed Braces

Achieve a beautiful smile with Cfast, a fast and effective orthodontic solution that focuses on straightening your front six teeth, the ones visible when you smile.