Dr Claire Simpson
BChd Leeds Eng, 2010
GDC192532
Claire Simpson has a special interest in Periodontal care.
She has completed both a post-graduate certificate and post graduate diploma course in Periodontal treatment enabling her to help patients with more complex gum disease referred to her by colleagues within the practice. Claire also accepts referrals from colleagues in surrounding areas.
Claire prides herself on being able to improve her patients gum health and their confidence in their smile
Gum Health
Periodontal treatment involves the treatment of unstable gum disease and the maintenance of stable gum disease in susceptible patients.
Gum disease can occur for many reasons. Gum disease is a lifelong condition which can only be stabilised not cured.
The aim of treatment is to stabilise the gum disease to prevent tooth loss which occurs due to the loss of bone support around the teeth.
Gum disease is a painless condition until it is in its later stages, early diagnosis and treatment greatly improves the outcome of any treatment.
Patient motivation and engagement in oral hygiene practices is key to the success of any periodontal treatment.
What happens during treatment
A full assessment of the gums is carried out which will determine what treatment is best for the type of gum disease you have. Extensive oral hygiene guidance will be given to ensure you are doing the most you can to help stabilise the disease at home.
Once excellent oral hygiene measures have been demonstrated, cleaning of the root surfaces and periodontal pockets is carried out under local anaesthetic. Another full assessment is then carried out 3 months after the first treatment to assess how well your gums have responded.
Is it Painful?
If your gum disease is more advanced then your gums are likely to be sore and tender when you begin treatment. With our guidance will we help you to improve the health of your gums at home which will make them less painful and tender. Any professional cleaning is performed under local anaesthetic.
Can any dentist carry out Periodontal treatment?
Yes, any dentist can carry out periodontal treatment. Your dentist may even delegate your treatment to a hygienist. However if you gum disease is considered more complex or is not resolving with treatment you may need to see a specialist periodontist or a dentist with further training in the treatment of periodontal disease.
Will I require any further treatment?
Your response to the treatment will be checked with a re-assessment of the gums 3 months after your first treatment. Often some areas of the mouth respond less well to treatment than others and these non-responding areas may require more treatment. This may be further deep cleaning or surgery.
Once your gum disease is stable is it recommended that you see your dentist or hygienist every 3 months to help maintain your gum health. Gum disease can return in the future and so regular maintenance and yearly re-assessments are recommended.
