Discussion
Other than minor de-scaling, the last time I had any remedial dental work carried out was way back in 1983, when two impacted wisdom teeth were extracted. Regular check-ups have always been very routine. "Everything looks fine. Just be careful with your brushing technique because there is a little gum recession in places. I'll see you again in a year."
For a 49 year old man, I thought I had 30 pretty good teeth. Until yesterday that is, when a new dentist at my NHS clinic diagnosed moderate Periodontitis. I watched in a mirror as he pushed his measuring probe up under my gums in several places around my molars. In a couple of locations, the depth reached 5 to 6mm - the severe level. X-ray images clearly show the 'pockets' which were once filled with bone and tissue.
I'm somewhat annoyed that this condition wasn't picked up before now. For obvious professional reasons, this new dentist wouldn't be drawn on my suggestion that my old dentist (no longer at the clinic) hadn't been as thorough as he should have been.
I'm booked in to see a hygienist in a few weeks time and then I have to return to the dentist 3 months afterwards. The dentist also told me there is a private clinic in a nearby town which specializes in this condition. I think I'll see how it goes with the hygienist first.
Does anyone have any experience of Periodontitis, the condition and its treatment? Can the loss of tooth-supporting bone and tissue be fully reversed? Any stories and information would be appreciated.
For a 49 year old man, I thought I had 30 pretty good teeth. Until yesterday that is, when a new dentist at my NHS clinic diagnosed moderate Periodontitis. I watched in a mirror as he pushed his measuring probe up under my gums in several places around my molars. In a couple of locations, the depth reached 5 to 6mm - the severe level. X-ray images clearly show the 'pockets' which were once filled with bone and tissue.
I'm somewhat annoyed that this condition wasn't picked up before now. For obvious professional reasons, this new dentist wouldn't be drawn on my suggestion that my old dentist (no longer at the clinic) hadn't been as thorough as he should have been.
I'm booked in to see a hygienist in a few weeks time and then I have to return to the dentist 3 months afterwards. The dentist also told me there is a private clinic in a nearby town which specializes in this condition. I think I'll see how it goes with the hygienist first.
Does anyone have any experience of Periodontitis, the condition and its treatment? Can the loss of tooth-supporting bone and tissue be fully reversed? Any stories and information would be appreciated.
Thanks for the replies. Some useful information here.
One mistake I've been making is not visiting the hygienist. At my present NHS clinic, I thought I could only see the hygienist with a referral from the dentist. The dentist always did a bit of descaling and polishing during my check-ups, so I thought that was why he never referred me. Wrong, the hygienist operates on a private basis and I can make an appointment with her anytime, as long as I've had a recent check-up. I'll certainly make sure to do this in future.
Rachie, I have been searching the internet for Periodontitis information, but keep being directed to mostly American sites selling expensive home treatments. Do you have a favorite web site which you can recommend to patients, for all things dental?
One mistake I've been making is not visiting the hygienist. At my present NHS clinic, I thought I could only see the hygienist with a referral from the dentist. The dentist always did a bit of descaling and polishing during my check-ups, so I thought that was why he never referred me. Wrong, the hygienist operates on a private basis and I can make an appointment with her anytime, as long as I've had a recent check-up. I'll certainly make sure to do this in future.
Rachie, I have been searching the internet for Periodontitis information, but keep being directed to mostly American sites selling expensive home treatments. Do you have a favorite web site which you can recommend to patients, for all things dental?
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