Your Local Periodontist in Surbiton: Expert Gum Disease Treatment & Prevention

Your Local Periodontist in Surbiton: Expert Gum Disease Treatment & Prevention

Post by : Dr. James Connan BChD GDC No. 230670 | 27 August 2025

Gum disease is more common and more serious than most people realise. Recent studies show that nearly half of adults, over 30 years old, have some form of gum disease, making it a leading cause of tooth loss worldwide. For seniors, the risk is even higher, with more than 70% affected.

Left untreated, gum disease doesn’t just threaten your smile; it’s also linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Early warning signs like bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums mean it’s time to act.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to see a periodontist in Surbiton; a dental specialist dedicated to diagnosing, preventing, and treating gum disease. At Surbiton Dental, our experienced gum disease dentists can help restore your gum health and protect your overall well-being. Conveniently located on Ewell Road, we welcome patients from Surbiton, Tolworth, and across Surrey.

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the supporting structures of your teeth, your gums, periodontal ligaments, and jawbone. While a general dentist can treat mild gum issues, a dentist for gum disease has advanced training to manage complex cases, including receding gums treatments, gum recession treatment, and advanced periodontal infections.

If you’ve been told you have gingivitis or periodontitis, or you’re experiencing persistent gum symptoms, booking an appointment with a gum disease dentist can help you avoid tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.

Signs You May Need a Gum Disease Specialist

Gum disease can develop silently, but these symptoms are warning signs to see a dentist for gum disease:

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Swollen, tender, or red gums.
• Teeth appear longer due to gum recession.
• Loose or shifting teeth.
• Discomfort when chewing.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to irreversible damage. Our dental hygienist in Surbiton provides thorough cleaning and scaling, and our periodontist in Surbiton can deliver advanced treatment when needed.

The Link Between Gum Health and General Health

Your mouth is more than just the starting point of digestion; it’s closely connected to your overall health. Research shows that gum disease isn’t limited to the mouth; it can have far-reaching effects throughout the body.

• Heart Disease: Studies suggest that the bacteria responsible for gum infections may enter the bloodstream, contributing to inflammation in blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Diabetes: According to the NHS, gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes are more prone to infections, including periodontitis.
• Pregnancy Complications: The British Dental Association notes that severe gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

These findings highlight why treating gum disease is about more than protecting your smile; it’s an important step in safeguarding your general health. At Surbiton Dental, our periodontist in Surbiton works with you to create a tailored treatment plan that not only restores gum health but also supports your long-term well-being.

Gum Disease Treatments at Surbiton Dental

We offer a range of personalised treatments for gum health:

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

• Dental hygiene appointments with deep cleaning.
• Scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.
• Airflow teeth cleaning or airflow tooth polishing for effective stain and biofilm removal.

Surgical Treatments

• Gum grafts to cover exposed roots.
• Flap surgery to clean infected areas beneath the gumline.
• Regenerative procedures to restore lost bone and tissue.

Maintenance & Prevention

Once your gums are healthy, ongoing care is key. Regular visits to our dental hygienist in Surbiton and annual comprehensive dental examination appointments will help maintain your oral health.

The Link Between Gum Health and Other Dental Treatments

Healthy gums are the foundation for many other dental procedures:

• Dental implants in Surbiton require strong gums and bone for long-term success.
• Cosmetic treatments like veneers, composite bonding, and teeth whitening in Surbiton deliver better results when gum health is optimal.
• Orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign in Surbiton work best when gums are healthy and inflammation-free.

If you’re considering treatments like implant retained crowns, dental bridges, or cosmetic dental implants, our periodontist in Surbiton will ensure your gums provide a stable base for lasting results.

NHS vs. Private Gum Disease Treatment in Surbiton: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or suspect you have it, choosing between NHS and private dental care in Surbiton can impact your treatment options, timing, and costs. Both aim to improve your gum health but differ in scope and services.

1. Treatment Options

• NHS: Provides essential treatment to control and prevent the progression of gum disease. This typically includes advice on oral hygiene, professional cleaning by a hygienist, deep cleaning under the gums (scaling and root planing), antibiotics if infections are severe, and gum surgery in more advanced cases. Cosmetic or advanced regenerative procedures (like laser therapy or gum grafts) generally are not covered on the NHS. Your dentist may refer you to a specialist if needed.
• Private: Offers the full range of periodontal treatments, including advanced microsurgical techniques, minimally invasive laser therapy, regenerative periodontal surgery, and personalised care plans tailored to your needs. Private care can cover cosmetic and the newest technology-enhanced treatments not usually available on the NHS.

2. Waiting Times

• NHS: Waiting times can be longer due to high demand and limited resources, potentially delaying prompt diagnosis or treatment.
• Private: Generally provides faster appointment availability, allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment, which is important to prevent progression.

3. Technology and Techniques

• NHS: Uses effective standard treatments, but access to the latest diagnostic tools (e.g., digital imaging, intraoral scanners) and novel therapies varies depending on the practice.
• Private: Often equipped with cutting-edge technology such as digital imaging, airflow polishing, intraoral scanners, and laser equipment. These improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment precision, and patient comfort.

4. Costs

• NHS: Treatment costs are capped within NHS Bands, making it more affordable for many patients. Certain groups, children under 18, pregnant women, recent mothers, and those on specific benefits, can receive free treatment. However, not all advanced treatments are available under NHS coverage.
• Private: Pricing depends on the specific treatment plan and procedures chosen. Private care typically costs more but offers a wider selection of materials, techniques, and personalised care.

Why Choose Surbiton Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?

Local Expertise: Our team includes highly skilled dental specialists in gum health and restoration.

Comprehensive Care: From gum recession treatment to dental implants in Surbiton, everything is available in one place.

Comfortable Experience: We offer oral sedation and IV sedation for anxious patients.

Convenient Location: Easily accessible for anyone searching for a dentist in Surbiton or a dentist in Tolworth.

Preventing Gum Disease

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once a day to remove plaque between teeth.
• Book a dental hygiene appointment every six months.
• Avoid smoking, as it increases gum disease risk.

If you already have gum disease, our receding gum treatment in the UK and maintenance care can help restore and stabilise your oral health.

What to Expect at Your First Periodontal Appointment

If you’ve never visited a periodontist in Surbiton before, understanding what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. At Surbiton Dental, we make your first appointment thorough, informative, and comfortable so you leave with a clear understanding of your gum health and the steps needed to improve it.

1. Consultation & Gum Health Assessment

Your visit starts with a friendly consultation to discuss your dental history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors (like smoking), and any concerns you have. Your gum disease dentist will perform a detailed examination of your teeth and gums, checking for signs of inflammation, bleeding, swelling, gum recession, or other abnormalities.

2. Digital Imaging & Pocket Depth Measurements

To get a comprehensive view of your oral health, we use digital X-rays and sometimes intraoral cameras. These tools allow us to see beneath the gum line to evaluate the bone and teeth roots for any hidden damage. We also measure pocket depths using a special probe to assess the space between your teeth and gums; pockets deeper than 3mm often indicate gum disease.

3. Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on your examination and diagnostic results, we’ll develop a tailored treatment plan. This may include non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), or surgical options such as gum grafting for recession repair or other regenerative treatments if necessary. We will discuss each step clearly, explain the expected timelines and costs upfront, and answer any questions to help you make informed decisions about your care.

4. Next Steps and Follow-Up

Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, your first visit might include some preliminary treatment or simply be an evaluation with scheduling for further care. We also emphasise education about maintaining gum health, including effective brushing, flossing techniques, and lifestyle changes. Follow-up appointments and maintenance visits will be scheduled to monitor your progress and prevent recurrence.

Book Your Gum Disease Dentist Appointment

If you’re searching for a gum disease dentist, dentist for gum disease, or receding gum treatments in Surbiton or Tolworth, Surbiton Dental is here to help. Our friendly, experienced team provides personalised care to restore and protect your gum health.

Call us today on 020 8399 4311, email hello@surbitondental.co.uk, or book online to schedule your consultation with a periodontist in Surbiton.