Periodontic Treatments

Richard qualified with BDS from the University of Sheffield and now limits his clinical practice to periodontics and implant dentistry. He has worked in general dental practice in London and completed 3 years of specialist training in periodontology at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute.

Specialist periodontal care Dr Richard Horwitz provides for patients of the practice or as a referral service are:

Treatment of gum disease around teeth and implants

Studies demonstrate approximately 50% of the population experience some degree of damage to the bone and surrounding tissues from gum disease. Approximately 10-15% present with more advanced forms, which can result in the loss of teeth.

Treatment is usually divided into 3 phases: the initial phase of treatment is focussed on plaque control and root surface debridement (deep cleaning) to reduce the plaque and remove tartar from the gum pockets. The 2nd phase may involve surgery of the deeper sites. The 3rd phase is maintenance, which involves 3-month recalls often with our Dental Hygienists.

Reassessment visits are arranged following each phase to plan the next phase.

Treatment of gum recession (root exposure)

Gum recession can cause the root of the tooth to become exposed, this can make the tooth look longer, yellow and can become sensitive. Gum lifting procedures are designed to cover exposed roots, to reduce further gum recession and to protect vulnerable roots from decay and sensitivity.

Treatment of ‘a gummy smile’

Crown lengthening involves the reshaping of the gums to improve the appearance or enable the tooth to be restored with a crown or veneer. It can be used to correct an uneven gum line or improve the appearance of a ‘gummy smile’

Dental Implants

Before dental implants can be placed, procedures to recreate gum and bone which has been lost around teeth (regeneration) may need to be carried out. See Dental Implants for more information

Exposing buried teeth before orthodontic treatment, Richard and Ian work closely on these types of cases.