Around 15% of the world's population suffer from periodontitis (gum disease). There are few racial, continental or national variations and men and women suffer equally. Usually, the problems present after the age of 35, but in some aggressive forms - inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth - occur in teenagers and young adults.
Some periodontal diseases are pre-disposed by general health problems such as diabetes, organ transplants and prescribed medication, but most patients do not have these complications. There are several risk factors, which can combine to make the effect of retained plaque on the tooth more harmful to the gum, ligament and bone supporting the teeth.

These are generally considered to be:

o Genetic inherited susceptibility
o Inadequate oral hygiene
o Smoking
o Hormonal imbalances
o Excessive bite (occlusal) factors
o Poor quality restorations
o Variations in gum thickness
o Poorly positioned teeth

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We are able to control most of these with treatment and guidance for home-care oral hygiene.
Surgical techniques are sometimes required when localised areas do not respond to simple treatment and are usually indicated when these are differences between the way in which gum and bone have responded to our gum disease programme.

These are minor oral surgical procedures and, although time consuming, are no more traumatic than having a tooth removed. They are carried out in the surgery with local anaesthetic, with the patient receiving the appropriate antibiotics, antiseptic rinses and painkillers after the appointment.

Patients will have a very secure wound with precise sutures to replace the moved gum and be given full instructions on after care.

Following suture removal, patients are supplied with special brushes.