No Referral needed for Rapid Access to Specialist Periodontal Care at Smile Store

Periodontal Specialists are few and far between in Ireland, with waiting lists averaging eight to nine months. Patients must usually be referred by a dentist and further damage may occur as the long months of waiting drag by.

Smile Store can now offer rapid access to our Periodontal Specialist, so you can be seen in as little as four to six weeks. No referral is needed.

You can self-refer to our practice without a letter from your dentist. If you have known periodontal issues you can book to see the Periodontal Specialist directly or you may request a consultation with one of our dentists, or our hygienist, to evaluate your current periodontal status and determine if treatment is required.

What is the Urgency about treating Periodontal Gum Disease?

Periodontal gum disease an irreversible erosion of the gum and bone that eventually leads to tooth loss.

It’s a serious condition that affects the tissues around the teeth. It is caused by microorganisms which grow on and around the tooth surface, combined with an overly aggressive auto immune response.

The ligament fibres attaching the gum to the teeth begin to break away, and the alveolar bone around the tooth starts to erode.

If left untreated, periodontal gum disease will lead to loosening, and ultimately loss, of the teeth.

It is irreversible, although with specialist treatment the disease can be slowed down and managed quite effectively. This is why it’s vital to begin treatment quickly.

The severity of periodontal disease is measured by the amount of periodontal ligament fibres that have been lost, called ‘attachment loss’. This must be assessed, treated and monitored by a Periodontist.

It’s of particular concern to patients planning dental implant treatment, as diseased gums greatly increase risk of implant failure.