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

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Friendly Team

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30+ Years Experience

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

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Luxury Experience

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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 PRP treatment?

Platelet-rich (PRP) injections are a treatments used in the medical field, commonly to help heal an injury. These are derived on your own blood, and are being used more and more to treat sporting injuries and help wounds heal after surgery. Some doctors and dentists use it in facial cosmetic procedures. In the world of dental implants it is used with sinus augmentation procedures, at extraction sites and with bone augmentation procedures. It is also becoming very popular in periodontal disease treatments, particularly in the regenerative procedures.

Your blood is drawn from your arm, then placed in a centrifuge to separate out the platelet rich plasma. This part is rich in growth factors.

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.

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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.

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.

Post-treatment care:

Clients are advised to stay upright and to try to exercise the areas treated for 2-4 hours following the injections. It is important to avoid massaging these areas though: this is to prevent the diffusion of solution to adjacent muscles.

What type of brace do I need?

There are several different types of orthodontic appliances, (braces). The one best suited depends on a few factors including your particular case, the severity of the problem, as well as yor personal preference. Your clinician with discuss all suitable options.

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.

Are Dental Implants suitable for everyone?

While Dental Implants are a highly effective tooth replacement option for the majority of people, not everyone may be a suitable candidate. Factors such as overall oral health, bone density, and medical history need to be assessed to determine the feasibility of a Dental Implant treatment. Where bone is inadequate, you may need augmentation of the site either during or prior to implant placement. Your Implantologist will evaluate your case and discuss viable solutions..

How long does the treatment take?

Treatment time is approximately 30 minutes.

What does a CBCT scan involve?

A CBCT scan is a simple procedure. The patient is carefully positioned (this takes a couple of minutes), asked to keep absolutely still, and the machine then rotates 360-degrees around the head while capturing a radiographic image. The computer software then uses this information to reconstruct a 3-D image. The scan time varies depending on the image required, but generally takes around 10 seconds to complete.

Does a CBCT scan show infection?

A CBCT scan will show an area of infection better than 2-D dental radiographs because it can also detect if an infection has spread and how far, something traditional X-rays are typically poor at doing.

What treatments can I have with a laser?

The Waterlase iPlus® can be used to carry out multiple procedures in and around the oral cavity:

Periodontics (gum disease treatments): The laser can assist in treatment of moderate to severe gum disease with the minimally invasive Repair Perio™ Protocol, as well as killing bacteria and help preserve gum and bone health.

Smile design: Provides a state-of-the-art procedure for reshaping and redesigning smiles.

Surgical procedures: Eliminates the need for conventional surgical tools, with a gentler solution with little to no (in some cases) anaesthesia, simplifying a variety of soft tissue surgical procedures from frenectomies to polyp removal and biopsy.

Implants: Gains effective access to disease sites below the gum to decontaminate infected implant surfaces.

Restorative dentistry: Patient friendly restorative procedures for cavity preparation without the use of traditional handpieces. * Please discuss suitability with one of the dentists providing a laser service.

 

 

 

How quickly will I notice an effect?

The results are instantaneous.

Composite Bonding

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

Facial Aesthetics

Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but we have non-surgical treatments to rejuvenate your skin. Our services include botulinum toxin injections (Botox®) and dermal fillers for youthful results.

Dentures

Experience the remarkable restoration offered by implant-retained dentures, a highly effective and durable treatment that ensures stability and confidence for those with missing teeth.

Restorative Dentistry

Our natural-looking restorations repair, conceal imperfections, and replace damaged teeth caused by trauma, gum disease or decay. Regain confidence with our restorative treatments for a beautiful smile.