I am only 24 years old and around 18 months ago I

Q. I am only 24 years old and around 18 months ago I was diagnosed with advanced gum disease, and unfortuantly alot of the damage has been done, especially in the last 6 month. My two front teeth have drifted causing quite a large gap and they are slightly mobile. Lukily my dentist has reffered me to the Dental Hospital in Newcastle and I am currently under a peridontal specialist. However I wanted to know if any cosmetic procedures could be carried out once the gum disease is stable? I used to have a beautiful smile, and I dread to think nothing could be done and that i will neve have straight teeth again, will my specialist be able t do any cosmetic work through the NHS or will i have to pay privatly if any work can be done??

A. The NHS will not have funds for cosmetic treatments. If you need treatment for a functional reason and you get a cosmetic benefit, thats OK. Teaching Hospitals like Newcastle may do some very limited work as a training exercise.

What can be done is complex and very dependent on a clinical assesment. Often changing the shape of the teeth with veneers or crowns is used to hide the recession. there are also tecniques for reshaping gums.

Dr Rob Tennet
www.e-dentalpractice.co.uk

dr rob tennet