Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease affecting the supporting bone — stabilisable with structured therapy.
What it means
Understanding periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease in which the inflammation has progressed beyond the gums to affect the bone and tissues that support the teeth. As the supporting structures are gradually broken down, pockets can form between the teeth and gums, and over time teeth may become loose. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Unlike gingivitis, the damage caused by periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, but with timely, structured treatment the disease can be stabilised and controlled, and further loss of support prevented. Because it is often painless until it is advanced, periodontitis can progress quietly, which is why professional gum assessments matter.
A GDC-registered dentist will carefully assess your gums, including measuring the pockets around your teeth, and explain a tailored treatment plan.
Common causes of periodontitis
Several factors can contribute to periodontitis. Being aware of them can help — though only an examination can confirm what applies to you. Common contributing factors include:
- Long-standing plaque and tartar below the gum line
- Untreated or recurring gingivitis
- Smoking, a major risk factor
- Genetic susceptibility
- Poorly controlled diabetes and some other conditions
- Inconsistent oral hygiene over time
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some can be subtle. You may notice one or more of the following:
- Gums that bleed, are swollen or have receded
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gaps opening up between the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted
- Tenderness or discomfort around the gums
- Pockets forming between the gums and teeth
How we assess it at our Wimpole Street practice
Because the same symptoms can have different causes, an accurate diagnosis always comes first. At Wimpole Dental, a GDC-registered dentist will listen to your concerns, examine the area and — where clinically appropriate — take X-rays or other records to understand what is happening beneath the surface. Our practice is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
You will then have your options explained in plain English, with a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins — and never any pressure to proceed. Flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
What to expect when you visit us
From your very first contact, our aim is to make dental care feel calm, clear and unhurried. A member of our reception team will help you find a time that suits you, including evening and weekend appointments, and if you are in pain we will do our best to see you the same day. You are welcome as a new patient, and there is no obligation to proceed with any treatment.
At your appointment, a GDC-registered dentist will take time to understand your concerns about periodontitis, carry out a careful examination and, where clinically appropriate, take X-rays or other records. They will then explain what they have found and set out the suitable options — from doing nothing and monitoring, through to the treatments described above — so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you are far from alone, and we are experienced in caring for nervous patients. Please tell us how you feel when you book: we will move at your pace, explain each step before it happens, and focus on keeping you comfortable throughout. Our priority is honest, gentle care that puts your long-term health first.
Solutions & treatment options
Treatment aims to stop the disease progressing and to stabilise the support around your teeth. This usually begins with detailed charting of the gum pockets, followed by deep cleaning (root surface debridement) to remove bacterial deposits from below the gum line, carried out under local anaesthetic where needed.
A structured maintenance programme with the hygiene team is central to keeping the disease under control, along with support to address risk factors such as smoking. In more advanced cases, additional periodontal procedures may be discussed.
While lost bone does not grow back, stabilising the disease protects the teeth you have. Your dentist will explain your individual outlook honestly, as outcomes depend on the stage of disease and how well it can be controlled.
The treatment we most often use
Gum Disease Treatment
Structured periodontal therapy — deep cleaning, pocket charting and maintenance — designed to help halt gum disease and protect your teeth.
Prevention & everyday care
While professional care is important, good daily habits make a real difference. The following steps can help:
- Treat gingivitis early before it progresses
- Maintain thorough daily cleaning above and below the gum line
- Attend regular hygiene and periodontal maintenance appointments
- Stop smoking, with professional support
- Keep conditions such as diabetes well managed
- Have your gum health assessed regularly
When to see a dentist
If this sounds familiar, it's worth having it assessed early — problems are almost always simpler to treat when caught sooner. A £30 consultation lets a GDC-registered dentist find the cause and explain your options in plain English, with no pressure to proceed.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
Periodontitis cannot be fully reversed because it affects the supporting bone, but it can usually be stabilised and controlled with structured treatment and ongoing maintenance. The aim is to halt further damage and protect the teeth you have.
Not necessarily. With timely treatment and good maintenance, many people keep their teeth for years. The outlook depends on the stage of disease and how well it is controlled, which your dentist will discuss with you honestly.
Deep cleaning is carried out under local anaesthetic where needed, so treatment itself is comfortable. Some tenderness for a day or two afterwards is normal, and your team will give you aftercare advice to help you stay comfortable.
No. This page is general education to help you understand a common concern. It is not a diagnosis, and the same symptoms can have different causes. Only an in-person examination by a GDC-registered dentist can confirm what is happening and what, if anything, needs treating.
You will always receive a written, itemised quote before any treatment begins. New patients start with a £30 consultation; flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
That is very common and completely understood. Our team is experienced in caring for anxious patients: your dentist will explain everything in plain English, work at your pace and never pressure you to proceed. Let us know how you feel when you book so we can make your visit as calm and comfortable as possible.
Yes. Wimpole Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), with numbers you can verify on the public register. Our marketing follows advertising standards guidance for healthcare, and we never guarantee outcomes.
You can book online, request a call back, or call us on 020 7183 0692. New patients are welcome, and we offer evening and weekend appointments as well as same-day emergency slots where possible.
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22 Wimpole St, London W1G 8GQ · CQC regulated · GDC-registered clinicians