Initial Gum Treatment

The first visit

The aim of the initial visit is to understand your problems and concerns and carry out a detailed examination. The consultation is normally scheduled for 1 hour.

At this visit a general assessment of the oral cavity with particular focus on the periodontal condition will be carried out. This will include a comprehensive examination of your dentition, gums and oral tissues. A considerable amount of clinical data will be collected.

Furthermore the status of your dentition and the tissues supporting the teeth will be evaluated on radiographs (x-ray). Up to 12 detailed small radiographs or a panoramic radiograph may be needed. Following the above investigations the diagnosis, prognosis and all treatment options will be discussed with you.

Treatment of periodontitis - pocket depth reduction

If there has been loss of the supporting bone around teeth, a careful record should be made of the extent of this - usually by measuring the depths of pockets with a measuring probe. This will help determine the extent of the problem and hence the treatment needed, and give a baseline record for later comparison to check the response to treatment. Treatment is again aimed at thorough removal of plaque and calculus, though this may be more difficult where pockets are present as the deposits will be on the root surface underneath the gum. A local anaesthetic is sometimes needed for this procedure. If there is generalised periodontitis throughout the mouth, a number of treatment sessions may be required to make sure treatment is thorough and the best conditions are in place for good healing. For advanced forms of periodontitis, gum surgery may be needed to obtain sufficient access to clean the roots of the teeth. The goals of treatment are to arrest the progression of the disease and create a stable gum situation which is easily maintained, though it is unusual for new bone to grow back around teeth. Maintenance of good health of the gums is again of great importance following treatment to prevent relapse.

If you have not seen a dentist for some time, and you think you may have gum disease, book an appointment to see your Eustace Dental & Implant Clinic dentist in Sevenoaks, straight away on 01732 452233.

Ben Palin

Ben is a patient focused dentist who enjoys providing high quality evidence-based dentistry. He strives to combine both aesthetics and function to provide the best possible treatment. Throughout his career he embraced further training and education in order to develop professionally and improve his knowledge and skills for the benefit of his patients.

In the past 6 years he developed and nurtured an interest in periodontology. This started with attending lectures and study clubs and has progressed. He is now in the final year of study of a MClinDent in Clinical Periodontology. He utilises this knowledge and skills by delivering periodontal treatment to the more complex cases within the practices on a daily basis.

Ben joined the Army upon graduation and held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He left the Army in 2019 and is enjoying working in a civilian practice.

Ben's aspiration is to complete the MClinDent and work both as a periodontist and general dentist whilst working towards acceptance on the Specialist list.

He is strong believer in lifelong learning and enjoys learning new and developing existing skills.

Ben attains CPD by reading journals, attending BDA section meetings, organising study days, attending peer reviews and clinical “hands on” meetings and attending the MClinDent modules.