Gum Disease and Periodontitis
Gum disease is the leading cause of premature tooth loss worldwide, consequently keeping gum disease at bay, minimises the chances of you needing invasive or emergency dental treatment in the future. Moreover serious gum disease is linked to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, problems with pregnancy and bacterial lung infections. It is a good indicator that something is not well within your body and should never be ignored. At our practice based in the heart of Kew Village, Richmond our Specialist Periodontist Dr Mitul can fully assess your gum health, treat gum recession and address cosmetic concerns such as gummy smiles, as we never underestimate the power of a dazzlingly clean smile and healthy gums for your entire health and wellbeing.
Gum disease treatments
Gum disease is a common condition that affects approximately 760 million people worldwide. Advanced gum disease, known as ‘Periodontitis’ is characterised by the irreversible loss of bone around teeth. The causes of gum disease are multifactorial and include genetics, smoking, diabetes and poor oral hygiene.
Initially, the cornerstone of treating gum disease is based on controlling your individual risk factors and tailoring a bespoke oral hygiene regimen to minimise the amount of plaque accumulation around your teeth.
Specialised cleaning, known as ‘Minimally invasive non-surgical therapy’ or MINST is provided painlessly under local anaesthesia. MINST utilises high magnification and extremely thin instruments to atraumatically clean the disease affected teeth. MINST has been shown to carry a capacity to regenerate missing bone in many cases. Typically, this type of treatment can manage 80% of gum disease conditions.
If certain areas do not respond to the above therapy, advanced microsurgical gum surgeries may be advised. Through meticulous surgical technique and expertise it is possible to regenerate missing bone and its attachment to the root surface.
Dr Mitul Shah
BDS, MFDS RCS (Ed), MClinDent Periodontology (Hons), MPerio RCS (Ed) GDC: 228287
After working in general practice in Oxfordshire, Mitul gained experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery and restorative dentistry at the Royal London Hospital, inspiring him to pursue a career in periodontics. Mitul has in depth experience managing complex gum health problems including recession, deformities, gummy smiles and other problems – especially with dental implants.