Periodontist

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a periodontist do and how is it different from a regular dentist?

A periodontist specialises in preventing and treating gum disease, often in the more severe cases. Your regular dentist is often more focused on general dental care, and may choose to refer you to a periodontist for specialist gum care if necessary.

When should I see a periodontist for gum disease treatment?

If you are experiencing any signs of gum disease, such as inflamed, swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, or bad breath, you should book an appointment with a periodontist. Your dentist may also recommend treatment with a periodontist to help improve your oral health.

What are the benefits of a periodontist consultation for gum health?

A periodontist is best placed to help you manage and improve your gum health. During your consultation, you will have a full periodontal assessment, investigations, as well as digital radiographs if required. This gives a complete picture of your oral health and enables your periodontist to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Your long-term gum health starts with a periodontist consultation!

How can a gum specialist in Cambridge help with advanced gum disease?

Our gum specialist in Cambridge can provide bespoke treatments to help with advanced gum disease, including non-surgical treatment to remove plaque from below the gumline, gum grafting, crown lengthening and frenectomies. Treatment of periodontitis also requires oral hygiene instruction and advice on home care. Regular follow-up appointments are vital to ensure advanced gum disease does not reoccur.

Do I need a referral to see a periodontist in Cambridge for treatment?

At our dental practice in Cambridge, we welcome self-referrals and referrals from professional dentists. If you feel your gum health would benefit from periodontal treatment, please contact us to book an appointment. We are also pleased to accept referred patients. Dr Ahmadi is happy to discuss any available treatments with your general dentist or hygienist, and work with them to ensure you are given the best care both during and after your periodontal referral.

How is periodontitis treated?

With careful assessment and treatment, it is normally possible to halt the progress of periodontitis. Treatment of periodontitis requires oral hygiene instruction and advice on home care followed by professional cleaning under anaesthetic by the periodontist.

Following the initial treatment, patients are then reassessed after a few weeks to ensure the disease has resolved. If localised areas of periodontitis are found to persist, these isolated areas may require further treatment, which may include surgical corrective therapy.

Long-term success of periodontal treatment depends on both your own efforts with oral hygiene and those of the practice team who provide your regular care. Regular follow-up appointments with your hygienist and periodontist are vitally important to ensure the disease does not re-occur.

How much does periodontal treatment cost?

The cost of periodontal treatment varies depending on your individual case and the procedures needed to get your gum disease under control. At Hills Road Dental, a comprehensive 1 hour consultation with our periodontal specialist costs £240, with periodontal reviews from £180 each. You can see a full guide to our periodontal costs on the fees page.

What happens if I leave periodontitis untreated?

If left untreated, periodontitis can worsen, leading to loose teeth and even tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease can also have effects on your general health, including diabetes, and heart disease.