What is periodontics?

Periodontics is the area of dentistry that focuses on the gums and the structures supporting the teeth. Dentists with advanced training in this field are known as periodontists.

Gum disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting tissues caused by plaque build-up. Early disease is called gingivitis, while more advanced disease affecting the bone is known as periodontitis.

Can gum disease be cured?

Early gum disease is usually reversible with professional care and good oral hygiene. More advanced periodontitis cannot always be cured, but it can often be stabilised and controlled long term.

What causes gum disease?

The main cause is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth and along the gum line. Smoking, diabetes, certain medications and genetics can also increase risk.

How is gum disease treated?

Treatment focuses on removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and improving daily cleaning at home. More advanced cases may require specialist periodontal treatment.

What is deep cleaning or root surface debridement?

Deep cleaning involves carefully removing plaque and tartar from the root surfaces beneath the gums. It is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and may take place over several visits.

Is periodontal treatment painful?

Local anaesthetic is commonly used to keep treatment comfortable. Some soreness afterwards is normal but usually manageable with simple pain relief and good aftercare.

Are gum treatments widely available?

Many general dentists provide gum treatment, while advanced cases may be managed by clinicians with additional periodontal training. Your dentist will advise on the most appropriate level of care.

How often should I be seen if I have gum disease?

People with a history of gum disease often need more frequent maintenance visits, typically every three to six months. Recall intervals are tailored to individual risk.

Can gum disease cause tooth loss?

Yes. Untreated periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults because it damages the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. Early diagnosis greatly reduces this risk.

Does gum disease affect general health?

Research has linked severe gum disease with conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maintaining gum health is an important part of overall wellbeing.

What is a periodontist and when might I see one?

A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in gum disease and supporting structures. Referral may be recommended for complex or persistent cases.

Can receding gums grow back?

Receded gums do not usually grow back naturally. In some situations, specialist procedures can improve coverage, but prevention and stabilisation are the main goals.

Will I always need treatment once diagnosed with gum disease?

Gum disease is often a long-term condition that requires ongoing maintenance rather than a one-off cure. Regular reviews and daily care help keep it stable.

Can I have dental implants if I have gum disease?

Active gum disease must be treated and stabilised before implant placement, as it increases the risk of complications. Careful assessment is essential.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth every day and attend regular dental and hygiene visits. Not smoking and managing medical conditions also reduce risk.

Does pregnancy affect gum health?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more prone to inflammation and bleeding. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental care is especially important.

Are mouthwashes helpful for gum disease?

Some antimicrobial mouthwashes can be useful as part of a wider treatment plan, particularly in specific situations. They do not replace brushing and interdental cleaning.

What is the long-term outlook for gum disease?

With early diagnosis, consistent professional care and good home hygiene, gum disease can often be kept stable, allowing many people to keep their teeth long term.

Periodontics in Northampton

Q: What are the signs of gum disease?

Common signs include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, bad breath and gum recession. In advanced stages, teeth may feel loose or shift position.

Periodontics focuses on the prevention and treatment of gum disease. At our Brixworth practice near Northampton, we help patients manage bleeding gums, bad breath and gum recession with a clear plan to protect teeth and support long-term oral health.

Gum disease assessment & treatment

Support for bleeding & receding gums

Clear advice & long-term maintenance

BOOKING A TREATMENT

Please use the form below for all of your dental treatments, check-ups and and dental hygiene appointments.

OPENING HOURS

Mon - Thurs 08:30 AM - 06:00 PM

Fri 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Sat - Sun Closed

ADDRESS

Brixworth Dental Practice,

Spratton Rd,

Brixworth,

Northampton,

NN6 9DS

TEL 01604 353098

Periodontics Enquiry – Brixworth (Northampton)

Complete the form and we’ll be in touch shortly.

Periodontics fees at Brixworth Dental Practice

Below is a guide to our private periodontics fees at Brixworth Dental Practice. Final costs depend on your treatment needs, and a full estimate will be provided before treatment begins.

Periodontic consultation

Adult consultation: from £55.00

New patient examination: from £75.00

Periodontal (Gum) Disease – What It Is and Why It Matters

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is very common – and many people don’t realise they have it at first. Early-stage gum disease doesn’t always cause pain, which is why it can go unnoticed until the gums become inflamed and the condition progresses. More advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis and can affect the tissues and bone that support your teeth.

Regular dental check-ups and hygiene visits help us spot the early signs and put a plan in place to protect your gums. Let us know if you notice any changes such as bleeding when brushing, swollen or red gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or recurring infections.

Daily brushing twice a day, cleaning between teeth, and routine professional care can all help prevent gum disease and support long-term oral health.

Your Periodontal Treatment Plan

At Brixworth Dental Practice near Northampton, we’ll guide you through periodontal treatment step by step:

1: Consultation

Your first appointment is a consultation where we’ll discuss your symptoms, any concerns, and your medical and dental history. If you’ve been referred by another dentist, we’ll review the referral and explain what happens next.

2: Periodontal assessment

We’ll carry out a thorough gum assessment, recording baseline measurements so we can understand the current health of your gums. Where appropriate, this may include X-rays and photographs to support an accurate diagnosis.

3: Quotation and treatment plan

We’ll explain our findings clearly and outline a personalised treatment plan. You’ll receive an estimate of costs and an indication of how long treatment is likely to take, based on your individual needs.

4: Initial treatment

Initial treatment usually focuses on reducing inflammation and removing harmful plaque and calculus around the gums. The number of visits varies – we’ll tailor this to your gum condition and how you respond to treatment.

5: Further treatment

After initial treatment, you may need review appointments and ongoing hygiene visits to keep gum health stable. In a small number of cases with more advanced gum disease, further treatment may be recommended – we’ll discuss all options with you in advance.

6: Aftercare

Long-term success depends on daily home care and regular professional maintenance. We’ll support you with tailored advice on brushing and interdental cleaning, plus ongoing reviews to help keep your gums healthy.

Why is it important to look after your gums?

One in every two adults over 30 suffers from gum disease and it can lead to receding gums, bone damage, loss of teeth, and can increase the risk of other health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer.

Although bacteria are the main cause of periodontitis, gum disease is a multi-factorial disease. Other factors that can contribute to gum disease include smoking, genetics, hormonal changes (pregnancy), stress, certain medications and medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Without treatment, the supporting structures will recede to the point where teeth may be lost. In fact, periodontitis is the main reason of tooth loss in adults over the age of 45 in the UK.

PERIODONTICS FAQs

What are the causes of gum disease?

Gum disease is a multi-factorial disease. The main cause is bacteria called plaque or biofilm. Biofilm is an organised matrix for the bacteria to live in and multiply. Other factors include smoking, genetics, hormonal changes (pregnancy), stress, certain medications and medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

What are the signs of gum disease in the mouth?

One of the most important things to know is that gum disease can be completely symptom free. The disease process tends to follow an intermittent path over many years and often a person is entirely unaware that they are affected until the disease has reached more advanced stages. This is why regular dental check-ups are vital so we can identify and treat gum disease in its earliest stages.

Should I be concerned that my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?

The most common reason for bleeding gums is gingivitis, where the gums are inflamed due to irritation from dental plaque bacteria. To have the diagnosis confirmed, why not book an appointment at The Private Dental Group? You can then learn about effective treatment solutions.