Periodontal Treatment

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile.

They support your teeth, protect the bone beneath them, and play an important part in the long-term success of dental implants. When the gums and supporting tissues are affected by disease or recession, treatment can help to control the problem, protect your teeth and restore both comfort and appearance.

At Westwood Dental Practice, Dr Vasaikar provides a range of periodontal treatments tailored to each patient’s needs — from managing gum inflammation and infection through to periodontal surgery and dental implant placement.

Meet Dr Om Vasaikar

Dentist with Special Interest in Periodontics
GDC registration number: 295615

Dr Vasaikar is a general dentist with a Postgraduate Diploma in Periodontics, with a particular focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and the management of the tissues that support teeth and dental implants.

This postgraduate training provides experience in both non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment. Alongside this, Dr Vasaikar has completed further training in implantology, allowing dental implant placement to be provided as part of everyday clinical practice.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Non-surgical periodontal therapy focuses on controlling gum inflammation and infection. This is achieved through:

• Thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and hardened deposits from the teeth and below the gumline
• Tailored oral hygiene advice to help you care for your gums effectively at home
• Ongoing maintenance to keep the gums stable over the long term

For many patients, careful non-surgical treatment and regular maintenance are enough to bring gum disease under control and protect the teeth.

Surgical Periodontal Treatment

Where more advanced treatment is required, Dr Vasaikar also provides a range of periodontal surgical procedures. These are designed to improve gum health, help protect the teeth, and restore both function and appearance.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening reshapes the gum and, where needed, the underlying bone, to expose more of the natural tooth. It can be used to:

• Improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile
• Expose more healthy tooth structure where required
• Assist with the restoration of damaged or heavily restored teeth

Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue grafting can be used to treat gum recession and strengthen the gums around the teeth. It can help to:

• Treat gum recession and cover exposed root surfaces
• Improve the thickness and stability of the gum
• Reduce sensitivity
• Protect vulnerable tooth surfaces

Dental Implants and Periodontal Health

Periodontal health and implant dentistry are closely connected. Healthy, stable gum and bone tissues are essential for the long-term success and appearance of dental implants.

Dr Vasaikar’s background in periodontics allows for a comprehensive approach to implant treatment — from assessing the health of the surrounding tissues, to placing the implant, and managing the soft tissues around it. This means the health of the gum and bone is considered at every stage, not just the implant itself.

A Tailored Approach to Your Care

Every mouth is different. Dr Vasaikar takes the time to understand your concerns, assess your periodontal and dental health, and explain the available treatment options clearly, so you can make an informed decision about your care.

The aim is not only to treat existing problems, but also to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth for the long term.

Conditions and Concerns We Can Help With

You may benefit from a periodontal assessment if you are:

• Experiencing bleeding or receding gums
• Concerned about the appearance of your gums
• In need of periodontal surgery
• Considering dental implants

Assessment and treatment are based on evidence-based periodontal and implant principles.

Before and after non-surgical gum treatment

Before treatment:
The gums appear red and swollen, with visible signs of irritation around the teeth. There are also visible areas of build-up around the teeth, and the gums do not have an even, healthy appearance.

After treatment:
Following non-surgical gum treatment, the gums look noticeably healthier, calmer and less swollen. The redness and irritation have reduced, and the gum line appears firmer and more defined. The improvement highlights the positive effect that professional cleaning and good daily oral care can have on gum health.

Preserving Your Natural Teeth

Dr Vasaikar’s approach is centred on preserving natural teeth wherever possible and maintaining the healthy tissues that support them. Where a tooth cannot be retained, dental implant treatment can be provided with careful consideration of the surrounding gum and bone — combining periodontal care with modern implant dentistry to work towards healthy, functional and natural-looking results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection affecting the gums and the tissues that support the teeth. Left untreated, it can affect the bone that holds the teeth in place. Early assessment and treatment can help to control it.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Common signs include bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, receding gums and persistent bad breath. If you notice any of these, it is worth arranging an assessment.

What does non-surgical periodontal treatment involve?

It typically involves thorough professional cleaning above and below the gumline, tailored oral hygiene advice, and ongoing maintenance to keep the gums stable.

What is crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening reshapes the gum, and sometimes the bone, to expose more of the tooth. It can help with a “gummy” smile, expose healthy tooth structure, or support the restoration of a damaged tooth.

What is soft tissue (gum) grafting?

Gum grafting can help treat gum recession, improve the thickness and stability of the gum, reduce sensitivity and protect exposed tooth surfaces.

Can gum health affect dental implants?

Yes. Healthy, stable gum and bone are important for the long-term success and appearance of dental implants, which is why periodontal health is assessed as part of implant treatment.

For more information regarding this treatment