Periodontics (Treatment of gum disease)

Periodontology, or Periodontics, is the specialist branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and management of normal and abnormal conditions of gum and bone tissues surrounding teeth such as periodontitis or gum disease.

Gum diseases are some of the most common infections worldwide but many people are unaware that they have them, as there are very few symptoms until the infection is fairly advanced. Things to look out for are bleeding gums, sensitive gums, bad breath, and receding gums, as these are the earlier signs of gum disease.

There are many types of gum disease, and contrary to popular belief, they affect young as well as older people. Heredity does play some part in gum diseases so if members of your family have gum disease then a through examination is advisable.

Lifestyle does impact how severely you can be affected by gum disease. So does a good nutritious diet. Smoking is one of the most destructive things you can do, as not only do smokers get more severe gum disease, they can also lose their teeth much earlier.

Gum disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular visits to our dental hygienist. Once gum disease is established though, different treatments are required. The early stages of gum disease are treated with root debridement, often called deep cleaning, and usually done with the gum numbed using local anesthethetic More advanced gum disease requires more specialised techniques for treatment. This can often involve gum surgery and it is sometimes possible to repair some of damage that has taken place with regeneration techniques.

Periodontists not only treat gum disease but also do cosmetic treatments, from covering recessions to improving the shape and contour of gums to improve your smile.

If you suspect gum problems, the starting point is a consultation with our periodontist.

Our Oral Surgeon

Dr Lidia Ferritto, BDS (LON) LDS RCS ( ENG) MSc (LON) FGDPRCS (ENG)
Oral Surgeon
Lidia graduated as a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from University College London in 1987 and shortly after received her Licentiate in Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons. She worked within University College and general dental practice before commencing an M.Sc in Periodontology at UMDS Guy’s Hospital , which she completed in 1993.

She is currently in private practice limited to periodontology and implant dentistry. She has taught periodontology and implant dentistry at University College London and Trinity College Dublin Ireland. She has published articles in Journals on Implant Dentistry as well as taking part in surgical implant clinical trials at Trinity College Ireland. She has a fellowship of the Straumann Institute and has taught and lectured for Straumann Implant Systems in the UK and Ireland.