A patient will be referred to a Periodontist when they suffer from a prevalent disease of the gums and surrounding area. This disease starts with very bad oral hygiene and/or the build-up of plaque and tartar around the teeth, which when hardens is called calculus. This causes the gums to grow away from the teeth forming ‘pockets’ in the gums, which then fill up with more plaque and could start an infection. This can loosen teeth and damage bone if not dealt with.

This is where the Periodontist intervenes. He starts the treatment by removing the calculus build-up and removing the plaque etc, from the teeth and pockets. In advanced stages of gum disease the Periodontist is able to shrink the pockets and smooth the surfaces of the tooth and root so that is difficult for more calculus to build up.

With special treatment and home care, he will teach you how to clean your gums using special devices that are user friendly for cleaning purposes. Tissue and bone can then start to recover. The treatment may take 4-6 months depending on the severity and condition of the gums.

If caught in time this disease can be controlled or reversed, but if it is too far advanced; then there is the reality that the patient will loose one or several teeth due to neglect.