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.

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Meet Our Periodontal Team

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....

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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....

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What are the advantages of PRPs/PRGFs?

Stimulates cell growth and cell division, accelerating healing and regeneration in a range of treatments.
Reduces inflammation, swelling and discomfort after surgical procedures.
Reduces infection risk.
Helps build connective tissues.
Shortens recovery periods.

Will I need further treatment after the root canal treatment?

The dentist will always fill the hole in the tooth after the root canal treatment. However, in some case the tooth may need a crown to protect the tooth, reducing fracture risk. Root filled teeth tend to be significantly weaker than healthy teeth and are prone to fracture. Not all teeth need crowns after root canal treatment, but it is common for the back teeth that do most of the chewing to need a crown after completion of root canal treatment. Your dentist will advise.

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.

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.

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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.

What are ‘fillers’ and which areas can be treated?

Dermal Fillers, like Teosyal^®, are modern medical gels designed to fill out and smooth away lines, wrinkles and folds, and to add volume to lips. This is an excellent treatment for nasal furrows, smile lines, lip enhancement and facial contouring.

The main component of Teosyal^® fillers is hyaluronic acid, a biosynthesized version of one of the body’s own natural substances. The amount of hyaluronic acid produced by the body decreases significantly as we age; as a result, the skin becomes dryer, thinner and less supple, rendering it increasingly prone to wrinkling. Injecting fillers into skin not only adds volume where the body’s own hyaluronic acid has been depleted, but also draws water into the area improving skin hydration and elasticity.

What kind of treatments do you offer at your practice?

At Cox & Hitchcock Dental Group, we take pride in being a multidisciplinary practice with a team of skilled dental experts. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, from general dentistry to comprehensive cosmetic, periodontal, endodontic, orthodontic and implant dentistry, as well as providing dedicated hygienist and therapist services. All our practices offer a wide range of treatments. If you are looking for Private, Denplan or NHS dental services in South Wales, Cox & Hitchcock Dental Group is here to meet your needs.

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.

Am I entitled to free treatment?

Exemption

Patients do not have to pay any NHS dental charges for a course of treatment if, on the first day of treatment, they are:

Under 18 years of age
Aged 18 and in full-time education
An expectant mother
A woman who has had a baby in the previous 12 months

Remission

Patients do not have to pay any NHS dental charges for a course of treatment if they or their partner are currently receiving:

Income Support (Incapacity benefit and Disability Living Allowance does NOT count)
Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance (Contribution-based does NOT count)
Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (Contribution-related does NOT count)
Pension Credit guarantee credit (Savings Credit on its own does NOT count)
Universal Credit (in the last assessment period there were no earnings, or earnings were within the allowed limit, please check at www.healthcosts.wales.nhs.uk)

Patients can be exempt from paying if they have a valid NHS low income scheme certificate HC2 for full help. Payment can be reduced if they are named on a valid HC3 certificate.

It is impotant the information you give us is contemporary and accurate.If you are unsure if you are exempt from NHS dental charges, please discuss with reception.

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.

How much does laser treatments cost?

The cost of the laser procedure will depend on case complexity and management. Simple single tooth gum recontouring is from £85, while frenectomies are from £295. You will need a full assessment prior to any costing for any laser procedure.

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.

Aligners

This discreet technique uses custom-made aligners to gradually move teeth to an improved position. It’s suitable for adults or teens who are self-conscious about noticeable braces.

Root Canal

Root canal treatment relieves pain and saves natural teeth by removing infected tissue from the root canals. It is a highly skillful procedure involving the cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing of the canals to restore oral health and minimise further complications.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is an effective treatment to brighten and enhance your smile by applying a safe whitening gel to your teeth. Stains are oxidized, resulting in a whiter and more radiant appearance.