A detailed assessment of your gum health and a clear plan to treat it at Highfield Dental Clinic, Edgbaston.
Gum disease is common, often painless and a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Our team assesses it thoroughly and explains exactly where you stand.
A periodontal consultation is a detailed examination of the gums, bone and other tissues that support your teeth. Your clinician measures the depth of the small spaces around each tooth, records bleeding points, checks for looseness and reviews X-rays to assess the level of the supporting bone.
These measurements allow us to diagnose gingivitis or periodontitis, establish how advanced it is and identify the factors contributing to it. You are then given a clear picture of your gum health and a plan for treating and stabilising it.
Noticed bleeding gums, bad breath or loose teeth in Birmingham? Our experienced team will assess your gum health and explain what it means.
The appointment is thorough and entirely comfortable. It usually involves:
Your clinician will show you your chart, explain what the numbers mean and agree the next steps with you before any treatment begins.
Gum disease is driven by bacteria in plaque, but several factors influence how your body responds. Smoking, diabetes, certain medicines, stress and family history can all increase your risk, and we will discuss the ones relevant to you.
Early gum disease, gingivitis, is reversible with good cleaning and professional support. Periodontitis, where the supporting bone has been lost, cannot be reversed, but it can usually be stabilised so that further loss is prevented. Your daily cleaning at home is the single biggest factor in the outcome, and we will show you exactly what to do.
No. A consultation is an assessment and diagnosis appointment. Treatment, such as root surface debridement, is arranged separately once we know what is needed.
Measuring the gums involves gentle probing. It can feel slightly uncomfortable where the gums are inflamed, but it is not painful and takes only a few minutes per section.
The measurements record how deep the space is between each tooth and the gum. Shallow readings that do not bleed indicate healthy gums, while deeper readings suggest attachment and bone have been lost.
Gingivitis can be reversed. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, as lost bone does not grow back, but it can usually be stabilised with treatment and good daily cleaning.
No. You can book a periodontal consultation directly with us, or your own dentist can refer you if they prefer.
Not necessarily. Your clinician will explain what is needed and when. Some patients need a course of treatment, others need improved home care and a review.
