Periodontal Treatment in Belfast

Periodontal Care

At Sandown Dental & Implant Clinic, we understand how important it is to maintain the health of your gums and the surrounding tissues.

Our periodontal treatments are designed to prevent, diagnose and treat a range of gum-related issues. Whether you are dealing with periodontitis, gum recession, or implant-related problems, our skilled team is here to help you restore and maintain a healthy smile.

Why Choose Us?

Our periodontal team includes skilled hygienists and therapists and is led by Dr Khaleda Zaheer. We take pride in providing comprehensive periodontal care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. We utilise the latest techniques and technologies to ensure effective treatment and a comfortable experience.

Specialist in Periodontics

Dr Khaleda Zaheer is a Specialist in Periodontics, committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care in a compassionate and patient-centred environment.

She graduated from Queen Mary University of London, and went on to gain broad clinical experience across several dental specialties, including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, and Paediatric Dentistry, working in multiple NHS hospital trusts.

Khaleda completed her specialist training in Periodontology and holds a Master’s in Clinical Dentistry in Periodontology from King’s College London. She was awarded Membership in Periodontics by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Her training is recognised by the European Federation of Periodontology, from whom she holds the Certificate of Completion of Specialised Training in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry.

Alongside her clinical work, Khaleda is actively involved in academic research, with several publications and international conference presentations. She also serves as CEO of Refugee Crisis Foundation, a humanitarian charity focused on improving access to healthcare in crisis-affected regions.

Khaleda runs a monthly periodontal clinic at Sandown Dental & Implant Clinic accepting external referrals.

Periodontal Treatments

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that occurs when bacteria build up in the pockets between the teeth and gums, leading to inflammation and infection. If left untreated, it can result in gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

Treatment for Periodontitis:

• Professional mechanical plaque removal: a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, helping to smooth out the root surfaces and prevent bacteria from reattaching.
• Antibiotic Therapy: in cases of increased susceptibility and genetic predisposition, we may use antibiotics.
• Surgical Treatments: for more advanced cases, we may recommend surgical procedures such as open flap debridement, resective or reconstructive to clean deep pockets and reduce their depth.

What is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This can lead to sensitivity, discomfort, increased risk of decay, and an uneven gum line, affecting aesthetics and/or oral health.

Treatment for Gum Recession:

• Soft Tissue Grafting: a procedure where we take tissue from the palate or use donor tissue to cover the exposed root. This helps restore the gum line and protect the tooth from further damage.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a procedure designed to expose more of the tooth’s surface by reshaping or removing gum tissue and, in some cases, bone. This can be necessary for both functional and cosmetic reasons, such as preparing a tooth for a restoration or improving a "gummy" smile.

Treatment for Crown Lengthening:

• Functional Crown Lengthening: when there isn’t enough of the tooth visible above the gumline to place a crown or filling, we may recommend crown lengthening to expose more of the tooth structure.
• Cosmetic Crown Lengthening: for patients with a "gummy" smile, this procedure can reshape the gums to enhance the appearance of the teeth and create a more balanced smile.

What is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease that affects the soft and hard tissues around dental implants. This condition can lead to bone loss around the implant and, if not treated, could result in implant failure.

Treatment for Peri-Implantitis:

• Non-Surgical Treatment: in the early stages, we may be able to treat peri-implantitis with deep cleaning and decontamination of the implant surface, sometimes combined with antibiotic therapy.
• Surgical Treatment: in more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required to clean the infected area, reshape the bone and gums, or reconstruct lost bone through bone grafting.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of gum disease or need to improve the health of your gums, call us today on 028 90471070. We accept external referrals from GDPs or self-referrals.