This may not happen this year, or even the next, but it is a fact that gum disease is the most common reason for tooth loss, and it is something that can be prevented. Gum disease affects between 15 and 20% of the world’s population, but according to the NHS, the figure is much higher in Britain. Just about everyone will experience this disease at some point during their life, but it doesn’t have to lead to tooth loss, and the need for dental implant in Kent.
Regular check-ups with Dr Rik Trivedi will greatly help to minimise the risk of this disease, but it is also down to you. Most cases of gum disease are down to less than adequate oral hygiene, such as failing to brush teeth twice a day, and regularly skipping flossing. If our Kent dentists think you have signs of this disease then they can offer practical help and advice on how to either cure or hopefully control it. It could be that your technique for brushing your teeth could use a little help, or perhaps you’d like a demonstration of how to floss?
It is important to catch this disease early on, as at this stage it will still be curable, and quick treatment will help to minimise the damage to your gums and jawbone. If the disease is not caught early on then it will gradually become worse and worse, developing into a condition called periodontitis. This can be chronic, meaning that you will need to visit Parrock Dental and Implant Centre at regular intervals for treatment to hold it at bay. It can cause a lot of damage to your gums, and to the surrounding bone, and the ligaments which hold your teeth in position. Treatment for advanced gum disease can be quite complex, as lost gum tissue and bone may need to be replaced.
If you do end up losing teeth to gum disease, then there is the possibility that you will need to have a bone graft before you can have dental implants, as they do need a certain amount of healthy bone to support them. This can add to the cost of the dental implants and can lengthen treatment time.
If you have noticed blood on your toothbrush or in the sink after flossing, then it might be time to book that check-up. Swift action now could save your teeth. Call us on 01474 537191 or you can email us with any questions on info@parrockdental.co.uk.