Gum disease is a silent threat that can lead to irreversible damage if left untreated. At Smile Store in Cork, we eliminate the barriers to specialised care by offering direct access to a periodontal specialist with appointments available in 4 weeks — no referral needed and no prolonged waiting lists.
What Is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist with advanced training in diagnosing, treating, and managing gum disease and the structures supporting your teeth, including gums, ligaments, and jawbone. After completing a general dentistry degree, periodontists undergo years of additional training focused on complex periodontal cases, regenerative procedures, and dental implants.
Key Responsibilities of a Periodontist:
- Non-surgical treatments: Deep cleaning (scaling/root planing), antimicrobial therapies, and customised at-home care plans.
- Surgical interventions: Gum grafts, bone regeneration, crown lengthening, and laser therapy to restore gum health.
- Dental implants: Placement and maintenance of implants for patients with tooth loss due to advanced gum disease.
Unlike general dentists, periodontists focus on below-the-gumline issues, making them essential for addressing moderate to severe periodontal disease.
Signs You Need to See a Periodontist
Gum disease progresses stealthily, often without pain until irreversible damage occurs. Watch for these symptoms:
- Bleeding gums: Especially during brushing or flossing.
- Receding gums: Teeth appearing longer due to gum tissue loss.
- Persistent bad breath: Caused by bacteria in periodontal pockets.
- Loose teeth: Resulting from bone loss around tooth roots.
- Pus or swelling: Indicating active infection.
Early-stage gingivitis is reversible with professional care, but periodontitis — the advanced stage — requires specialist intervention to halt bone and tooth loss.
Consequences of Delaying Periodontal Treatment
Waiting months for treatment (as is common in Ireland’s overloaded system) accelerates damage:
- Tooth loss: Eroded bone and ligaments cannot support teeth.
- Systemic health risks: Linked to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues.
- Higher costs: Complex surgeries like bone grafts or implants become necessary.
At Smile Store, our direct-access model ensures you’re seen within weeks, not months, preserving your oral and overall health.
Why Choose Smile Store for Periodontal Care?
1. Rapid Access to Expertise
Ireland has fewer than 50 registered periodontists, leading to average wait times of 8–9 months. Smile Store bypasses this bottleneck:
- Self-referrals accepted: No need for a dentist’s letter.
- Appointments in 4–6 weeks: Fast-tracked assessments and treatment.
2. Comprehensive, Tax-Relief Eligible Treatments
Our periodontal packages include:
- Assessment & planning: Detailed evaluation with X-rays
- Customised care: Scaling, surgery, or laser therapy tailored to your needs.
- Preventive strategies: Education on at-home maintenance to prevent recurrence.
3. Cutting-Edge Technology
We utilise minimally invasive techniques to reduce discomfort and recovery time.
How to Book Your Periodontal Assessment
- Call Directly: Dial 021 432 0004 (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM) to schedule an appointment or
- Fill in the form below: Enter your details below and one of our team will be in touch soon.
Act Now—Your Smile Can’t Wait
Gum disease won’t improve on its own. At Smile Store, we combine urgency with expertise to protect your smile. Book your assessment today and take the first step towards lasting oral health — without the wait.
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Tax Relief
Tax relief is available on many different dental procedures available at Smile Store – The Dental Specialists.
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