Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination.
Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque, which forms in a thin film on your teeth. If plaque is not removed through daily brushing, it can build up leading to your gums and teeth becoming infected. This can lead to tooth loss.
Guidelines for Referring Patients for Periodontal Treatment
Referral Criteria
Many periodontal cases are treatable in general dental practice and are likely to heal sufficiently after a course of intensive non-surgical therapy, such that no further treatment is required beyond routine maintenance. However if the patient at re-evaluation has one or both of the following then they should be considered for referral;
- Further apical migration of the epithelial attachment; or
- BPE in any sextant or both
The following should also be considered (from The British Society of Periodontology document ‘Parameters of Care’)
- BPE score of 4 in any sextant and including one or more of the following factors:
- Patients under the age of 35 = Complexity 3
- Smoking 10+ cigarettes daily
- A concurrent medical factor that is affecting the periodontal tissues
- Root morphology that adversely affects prognosis / short root length
- Rapid periodontal breakdown >2mm attachment loss in any one year
When to refer
The success in treating advanced periodontal disease generally occurs in patients with 6-8mm probing depths/clinical attachment loss. Periodontist have limited success when depths are 9mm or greater. Therefore, the of cases is likely to provide the best results.
How to refer
- Send the completed referral form to Pudsey Dental &Implant Centre
- Please enclose appropriate radiographs
- Patient will be contacted, assessed and treated as appropriate
- The referring GDPwill be kept informed of progress
- A discharge summary will also be sent to referring GDPand radiographs returned
Treatment
- Non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment
- Follow up would be on an individual basis
- Maintenance with referring GDP
There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gingivitis
Periodontal disease
Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.
What happens if gum disease is not treated?
Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole so that you do notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
The first sign is blood on your toothbrush or in the water when you rinse your teeth. Also, your breath may become unpleasant.
The Symptoms
- Gums that are red, puffy or swollen, or tender
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded
- Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth, creating a pocket
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
- Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Dental Treatment
You can remove hardened plaque (tartar) by having a professional clean by your dentist or hygienist. We will clean or “scale” your teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line.
