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Gum disease therapy

Gum disease is one of the most common oral diseases and affects people of all ages. Caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria on the gum line, gum disease can lead to bleeding, inflammation and redness and if left to progress, can lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease can also be aggravated by:

  • Smoking
  • Lack of brushing or flossing
  • If you have diabetes or other chronic diseases
  • Certain medications

If you spot signs of gum disease you can initially treat these at home by stepping up your hygiene routine and using dentist-approved products. If your symptoms do not improve, your The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre dentist and dental hygienist will recommend a personal oral health plan to address your individual needs. Gum hygiene is important to ensure that your teeth remain supported and healthy.

Advanced gum disease

The first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, can be simple to reverse. However, if left to progress it can develop into a more advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis, resulting in the formation of gaps between the gums and teeth, known as pockets. More plaque can collect in these pockets and thus continue the progression of the disease. As the pockets deepen, the plaque becomes more inaccessible to cleaning, more extensive and more toxic. This leads to increasing damage to the supporting bone around the roots of the teeth.

Periodontal treatment is provided by our specialist periodontist who will clean the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone. The majority of Periodontal treatment involves thoroughly cleaning the tooth root surface. However, advanced cases may it also involve surgical and restorative techniques.

After initial stabilisation of the condition has been achieved, a thorough lifelong home care regime is required to prevent future lapses, along with regular monitoring and maintenance from your dentist and dental hygienist.

If you are suffering with symptoms of gum disease book a review with our dental hygiene team today.

How to help preserve your gums and keep them healthy

The causes of periodontal disease include family history, poor oral hygiene, bacterial dental plaque, diabetes and smoking. There is growing evidence linking periodontitis to diabetes, heart disease and other systemic disease. It is therefore important to treat periodontitis not just for oral health but general health.

Periodontal disease can lead to the loss of attachment of the gum, connecting tissues and bone to the teeth. Common periodontal conditions are gingivitis and periodontitis which are both caused by plaque or what is known as bacterial biofilm. Dental plaque is sticky colourless film that forms on the teeth and contains bacteria. Most periodontal disease is caused by the bacterial biofilm that collects around the teeth in the absence of effective oral hygiene and the way the body’s immune system reacts to it. Recent studies have shown how periodontal disease and systemic (general body) disease impact each other.

Periodontitis affects 10-15 percent of the population and is inflammation which extends to form a pocket between the tooth and infected gums. The symptoms are swollen red or bleeding gums, over-sensitive teeth or bad breath. Symptoms of advanced periodontitis may include abscesses, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss. Teeth can become loose and drift from their position. It can also lead to receding gums which exposes more of the root which can heighten sensitivity.

Gum disease is generally asymptomatic (silent). Early warning signs may be slight bleeding when you brush or floss, slight tenderness and inflammation of the gum margins, bad taste or breath.

If your dentist has diagnosed periodontal disease or there is a problem with your gums then a referral would be advisable. Periodontitis is common and is often painless until the later stages. If left untreated it can destroy the bone and tissue that surround the teeth. Your dentist may also refer you to replace lost gum tissue and crown lengthening to improve appearance.

There are 2 types of advanced periodontal treatments

1) Non-surgical treatment

This involves careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque from deep periodontal pockets. The majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain optimum health. If this is unsuccessful then surgery may be needed to restore the periodontal anatomy damaged by the disease.

2) Periodontal surgery

When damaged tissue around the teeth cannot be repaired then surgery becomes necessary and can include:

  • pocket reduction.  
  • Regenerative procedures to replace lost bone and tissue.  
  • Crown lengthening lays the groundwork for restorative dentistry and to improve the aesthetics of your gum line.

We all know of the harmful effects that smoking tobacco has on our general health. In the mouth it can cause white patches and oral cancer. Over the past 20 years research has shown that smoking causes significant harm to the periodontal (gum) tissues.

Evidence shows that:

  • smokers have more severe gum disease than non-smokers and more loss of gum and bone support.  
  • less response to periodontal treatment and likely reoccurrence of the disease  
  • greater tooth loss

The good news is that people who stop smoking respond well to periodontal treatment as non-smokers. The appearance and health of the gums will improve with treatment only a few months after treatment.

Although quitting smoking is difficult, it is crucial to achieving great gum health and would encourage you to stop smoking as part of your periodontal therapy. Your GP practice may have stop smoking trained professionals. Alternatively help is available at www.stopsmokingwales.com tel 0800 0852219 or www.wales.nhs.uk. Stop smoking support increases the success of quitting by four times. This is further doubled by the use of nicotine replacement therapy.

Please feel free to ask for further advice about the effects of tobacco smoking or help in taking the first steps in quitting.

About your Periodontal consultation

We will carefully examine your gums, tissues supporting your teeth and take radiographs if necessary. Every aspect of gum problem will be explained including diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning.

Dr Jim Dufty leads our periodontal service and has had many years of experience treating these conditions successfully. Jim has a realistic approach and will do whatever he can to save the natural dentition. This can include hard and soft tissue grafting where appropriate.

He takes referrals for perio and perio/ restorative patients and provides a full range of both non-surgical and surgical perio treatments. He is also involved with the placement of implants and the treatment of peri-implantitis. He has published internationally and continues to be involved with dental postgraduate education, working with King’s College London’s Prosthodontic MClinDent and Aesthetic Dentistry MSc distance learning programmes in both teaching and advisory roles.

Meet the team

Dr Jim Dufty

Specialist interest in Periodontics

GDC NO. 76008

Cathrine Tait

Dental Hygienist and Therapist, Facial Aesthetics

GDC NO. 5182

Tracy McNulty

Dental Hygienist

GDC NO. 3257

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Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

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Patient reviews

37 Reviews

5.0
LR

Linda Richardson

Amazing, completely restored my faith in the dental profession, I was recommended to go here and would certainly recommend them to anyone else

S

Steved

Fixed a broken tooth at short notice

TH

T Houghton

I can't speak highly enough of the experience I've had at Mayhill. At the first hygienist appointment, Tracy was so kind and patient when explaining and demonstrating exactly how to get the best results from my daily routine. In other places I've felt really embarrassed and ashamed after a visit but not here, it was so relaxed and unhurried that I was able to take all the information in, and I can already feel the difference in my teeth. I also had a filling done and again, I could not have asked for a better experience. Dr Sarah Pegington is a consummate professional, reassuring, patient and explained everything she was doing and why. I'm a nervous patient with bad claustrophobia but I have been able to stay much calmer and tolerate treatment better here than I have anywhere else. Yes, it's expensive. I am not wealthy and getting treatment here rather than on the NHS is a huge investment for me. But I'm confident that the skill and support of the team will mean that I require less treatment ongoing, so it's worth it. Thanks so much again for a wonderful experience (never thought I'd say that after an encounter with the drill and suction hose!)

LC

Lyn Casling

People are excellent and very good at putting you at ease from arriving at reception to treatment.

MG

Mike Greenway

A really good dental practice in all aspects. In the past I have had some bad experiences with other dentists. The care at Mayhill has been exemplary, by choice I would never go anywhere else.

M

MrMike

I reluctantly sought a private dentist after being consistently failed by NHS dentistry. The all-round experience at Mayhill has been mouth-transformative. Excellent tooth and gum care from Drs Hart and Dufty aligned with outstanding maintenance and monitoring from Cathrine Tait. The Mayhill plans make this standard of care affordable and has given my teeth a rare second chance.

RS

Robert Seymour

I was made to feel welcome and relaxed by Jay and Lizzy. Jay explained exactly what the problem was and what he needed to do. It was a pain free experience I was also told what I should do during the next few days. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

SF

Stuart Fitton

Excellent service. Understood what I wanted to achieve and delivered my new smile. Thanks to Jay and Lizzy. Still smiling

AT

Arthur Tatchell

An appointment with Jason, Jay and Lizzy to sort out an already pinned front tooth which had moved, become infected and was hitting the upper teeth. I am a "nervous" dental patient so was not looking forward to the treatment. I need not have worried. Very professional, checking that I was OK from beginning to end. To coin a phrase - I didn't feel a thing! From beginning to end it must have been only 15mins and the tooth was removed. The care didnt end there as I was given a "do's and don't list" to work with for a couple days and a check up arranged for a week's time. To say I look forward to visiting The Mayhill would be an exageration. It is, however, probably the first time ever where I am convinced they have my best interests at heart and will undertake the treatment as quickly and as pain free as possible. Thank you to The Mayhill team.

SD

Steffan Davies

After weeks of struggling with a nasty tooth infection and a lack of progress or urgency with my usual dentist, I visited Mayhill as an emergency case yesterday. I was fitted in with hours notice instead of having to wait another 3 weeks elsewhere. Ellen and Ginny from the reception team were super friendly and professional in both arranging the appointment so swiftly and being accommodating during my visit. David was my dentist, he immediately put me at ease with his manner and was able to expertly solve the problem with a clear course of next steps and aftercare. The price for the treatment was also very reasonable. I am very grateful for being seen so quickly and feel a 100% improvement. In summary, I would highly recommend using this practice. Thanks again.

ST

Scott Taylor

Haven't been to the dentist in years and my initial consultation a few months back with Jason hart was first class, very professional and put me at ease. Today I had my first hygienist appointment in over a decade and Catherine and Holly were great, really happy with my entire experience from start to finish

KT

Kate Thorpe

I want to express my immense gratitude to Jason for his expertise in fitting my new veneers. Throughout the entire process, he took the time to explain each step in detail, ensuring that I understood the procedure and felt at ease. I am absolutely thrilled with the final outcome and couldn't be happier, thank you for giving me a beautiful smile.

DS

Darren Smith

Fantastic service given by very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff.

CW

clare wright

A huge thank you to Jason and Lizzy. Who knew that a night retainer could improve your overall health and well-being. As a new patient, and nothing other than basic check ups all my life (I’m no spring chicken!), this is a revelation. I used to wake several times a night with headaches which improved when I was up. I had no idea how badly I was grinding my teeth, but Jason did. After recommending the night retainer, one week in and I’m sleeping soundly and so far no headaches. What can I say. Very, very happy!

CA

Carole Arvanitis

Everything you would want from a dentist. Jay and Lizzi are hugely skilled but also sensitive and empathetic.

A

AJcanoe1

Jay and Lizzie were the brilliant team that looked after me so well at my treatment at the Mayhill. I can’t speak highly enough of them in their professionalism and care. I am delighted with my results. Thank you so much

LG

Ludo Graham

Very skilled and sympathetic dentists, nurses and hygienists. Highly recommended

AC

Anna Chilvers

I was referred to Mayhill by my usual dentist for some specialist work and because I have a jaw issue which means I need IV sedation for anything more than a standard filling. I also can’t open my mouth very wide making it tricky for the dentist to work. I can’t thank Dr Guppy and Dr Lello enough for their expertise and also their kindness and patience. My jaw issue has meant that I have felt very nervous about the dentist but I feel so reassured that if I need more complex work I can go to Mayhill. Thank you so much.

DM

david merry

Great service from start to finish. My Daughter has had an invisiline correction treatment, the communication and quality of treatment has been first class. Really friendly bunch and great results. Thanks all.

EY

Eve's Pole and Yoga

I'd been so anxious and nervous when I had to go to the dentist, so I can't tell you how happy I am that I've found Mayhill, where everyone is so patient and kind, absolute professionals, very well equipped, so everything can be done quickly. I actually smile when I go and leave, which is a miracle

PB

Pete Bryden

I've recently had a tricky extraction and implant. Ryan explained the procedures accurately, showing me the x-rays and keeping me updated throughout. Katie completed the team - clearly knowlegeable and efficient, always with a happy smile. Another great experience for me at The Mayhill - thank you.

BF

Bart - The Place & Pub Finder

As many specialists as you can shake a stick at The business is headed up by Mr and Mrs Guppy, and they are not a fish out of water when it comes to Dentistry, and I felt like a Neon Tetra in an Oral Aquarium When it comes to the kit at their disposal we are talking ‘StarTrek’ Get you mouth mapped and 3d scanned as a new patient, then start working through the list of things you have been avoiding or didn’t know about for years. It ain’t cheap, but if you need it done, get it done with eyes wide open. Patient reception is full of ‘Barcelona Chairs’ , I don’t think they are original, but if they were, dentistry would be the occupation to pay for them The Barcelona chair was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich, for the German Pavilion at the International Exposition of 1929, hosted by Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The Car park is a tad small, so best arrive on a bicycle, horseback or skydive using KwikFit as a possible landing zone To spice things up, plan your trip with a visit to Screwfix next door Or pop over to Lidl (in the middle) to buy all those things you never wanted but felt you needed to buy on the day Thanks to all on reception, a smile goes a long way, and if the patient smiles back their facial expression is ideally suited for the dentist to see their teeth as they enter the allocated treatment room Off to buy some Pork Scratchings now, ‘a Dentists best friend’ “Beam me up Guppy”

SC

Stew Cooper

Everyone is friendly and efficient. Tracey the hygienist is Fab as is David who fitted my implants. Lizzie and Claire, the dental nurses are also great.

EP

ellis page

Brilliant dentist surgery. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Definitely recommend using The Mayhill! Thank you :)

CE

Catherine Evans

I have been with Mayhill for over 3 years and what a lovely dental practice. They are patient, skilful and go out of their way to be gentle and kind. I recently had a composite filling to a front tooth and what amazing work from a very talented Dr Jason Hart BDS. I was so pleased it brought me to tears! Tracy McNulty is an excellent dental hygienist, extremely knowledgable and informative. My overall experience has been absolutely marvellous. I am no longer nervous or apprehensive about any treatment I may need. A wonderful team. I can wholeheartedly recommend them.

CE

Carwyn Eynon

The service is brilliant, all the staff are extremely helpful and professional.

A

API88

The team here always look after me. Excellent and professional.

SP

Stacey Priddle

Incredibly thorough and detailed, unrushed care. Highly recommended. Hygienist is excellent too.

JP

Joanne du Plessis

Most thorough dental examination I have ever undergone in the UK. I needed some urgent dental care and this surgery very kindly accommodated me the same day. I was extremely impressed at the friendly yet very professional staff. The attention to detail was second to none and I have no hesitation in recommending this practice. Excellent!

L

Lli

Excellent service. Kind and friendly from beginning to end. I'm really appreciative of the service. Thanks so much.

DG

Dave Gaish

Spot on, very very professional right from the front door through all the staff. So friendly and caring.

NS

nick sutton

I was referred to mayhill by my regular dentist as he thought 2 implants would be the best option for me, Apprehensive at first but the whole procedure was A ok. I now have 2implants with a 3 tooth bridge which I don’t know is there, Excellent

QM

Quentin Morgan

Dr David Guppy is an amazing surgeon. Been a patient for 16 years now. He has saved so many of my teeth that other surgeons wanted to extract, says it all. I've had implants, root canals, crowns and cosmetic procedures done, I can eat properly again and don't have to look downwards anymore when smiling. I used to be a very nervous patient, not anymore. Brilliant service from Helen and team. No wonder to me they are a multi award winning dental practice.

MT

Michael Turnbull

I had a consultation with a really kind and friendly orthodontist at this practice, Dr Cross, I was a little nervous about talking about my aesthetic concerns, however he put me at ease straight away and gave honest, sensible advice. I have always been a nervous patient, but Dr Cross puts me at ease and is very talented. Definitely recommend: at first I was concerned it was a lot of money to pay, but once I realized the level of support I would be given throughout the treatment it seemed really good value for money: especially since the result was so good

KF

Kath Finn

Having been told that I needed to lose another two teeth, thankfully I found Mayhill Dentists. Dr David Guppy and his team saved the two teeth, replaced a missing tooth, rescued the wreck that was my mouth and remedied a crooked bite. The skill and professionalism demonstrated are second to none, I would unreservedly recommend the Practice.

CS

calvin shaw

Amazing! I have a fear of the dentist and needed a tooth removed, jason and his nurse (unsure of name possibly holly?) Was outstanding! Would highly recommend

SS

Sarah Spear

The Mayhill Dental Centre are certainly Specialists in their field. From the 1st treatment I was made to feel at ease and treated with care throughout. I will most definitely recommend your practice to friends & family a huge thank you to all the staff.

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Multi Award Winning

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Invisalign Provider

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