I have quite advanced periodontitis

Q. I recently requested a referral to an orthodotist by my NHS dentist as I was concerned about my teeth ‘drifting’. I was seen yesterday by the orthodontist who seemed quite shocked and following an xray went on to explain in clear detail that I have quite advanced periodontitis. She offered to either write back to my dentist or to refer me directly to a local periodontist (and has given me his name). I agreed to the latter due to reduced confidence in my own dentist, and should hear from him soon. My query however, having had time to consider my situation is, why wasn’t this picked up sooner? I have been under the constant care of dentists for many years. These have changed with practice revamps and more recently I switched practices to keep NHS treatment. But none of my previous (or current) dentists have suggested periodontitis or even gum disease. It has only ‘come to light’ because I reqested a referral on cosmetic grounds. I am 40yrs old and have photo’s that show well aligned teeth taken only 5 years ago. In summary, What have I been paying for check-ups for? Should it have been suggested/diagnosed sooner? Do I have any come back? What range of costs can I expect to pay for treatment? Thank you.

A. Hi It would appear that some of your periodontal problems  may not have been picked up by you various dentists. this can be quite common when you regular dentist changes a lot. Perhaps you should wait for your consultation from your Periodontist before deciding what the treatment and costs involved will entail

regards  Andrew

Dr Andrew Moore Advance Dental Clinic 104 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0JG Web: www.advancedentalclinic.com Tel: 08443 87 87 88 View My Profile Dr Moore
July 30th, 2010 at 08:47 PM
miss bennett Says :

My dentist said i have gum disease and teeth have moved four to 5 mm pockets, I aksed him to refer me to nhs periodondist in a hospital etc. but he said they would not accept me until my teeth were almost falling out

July 30th, 2010 at 08:47 PM
miss bennett Says :

please let me know if my doctor can refer me to an nhs periodontist due to my gum disease if my dentist wont

February 27th, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Dee Says :

I have the same problem I have seen many dentist over the 60 years of life but only now have I now been told that I have advanced gum disease( that I have had for years ) but even so I am told that I can only be refered to a periodontist if I pay,.as it is not available on the NHS

April 16th, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Monica Says :

In October last year i paid 1800 pounds for new dentures. My new denture now has clasps which my previous ones did not. I have hence developed sensitivity in the teeth which holds the clasps. I visited another dentist this morning only to discover that I have severe periodontitis, and has been referred to a peridontist. I was told this should have been detected prior to having new dentures. I am very angry as the comments on the website states that such treatment can cost approx 2000 pounds. Not to mention the fee for the consultation is almost 200 pounds.

I am considering what action to take with regards the surgery who supplied the dentures.

May 24th, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Haleigh Says :

i have regular 6 months check ups and have never had any problems,but today my dentist said i have some gum disease and showed me a bit of redness in the middle of my lower gum,,,she gave me some tepe interdental brushes to get between my teeth and made me an opointment with the hygienist for some non-surgical periodontal treatment in august,,,will this go along way to solving the problem with me also brushing twice a day and flossing

May 24th, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Emerson Says :

It sounds like the ideal treatment based on what you have told me.

May 31st, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Cedric Says :

I went ot my dentist not long ago now and he told me that I had gingivitis, I have since been working my gums as he told me to do and think I have now gotten on top of it. I also have a tooth missing and have had to be extra careful around this apparently. the tooth in question is just behind my lower right canine. could I just try and find out what damage could be caused by a missing tooth to the gum around this area if its not replaced? thanks

May 31st, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Izaiah Says :

A missing tooth should not have any detrimental effect on the health of your gums providing that you clean effectively the teeth adjacent to the gap.

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