Powerhouse perio

My preventive ethos is simple; I encourage patients to attend regularly for reviews and spend time brushing well with the appropriate cleaning kit twice a day. The periodontium is the very foundation for teeth and it is important to have a strong and healthy foundation for a beautiful smile. Research shows that inflammatory diseases of the mouth such as periodontal diseases are directly associated with diabetes and heart disease. Treating inflammation helps manage periodontal diseases and so, in turn, helps in the management of chronic inflammatory conditions.

The power of three

Periodontal treatment is divided into three phases. The initial phase is focused on plaque control and deep cleaning (root surface debridement) to reduce the plaque and tartar from gum pockets. After a few weeks, we reassess the response to this therapy. The second phase is corrective and, sometimes, involves surgery at the deeper sites. The need for this kind of treatment is usually decided upon and planned at the reassessment appointment. After this, the third phase is the maintenance phase that usually involves three-monthly recalls to a hygienist.