SPECIALIST PROSTHODONTICS
June 17, 2026SPECIALIST ENDODONTICS | BRISTOL
June 17, 2026SPECIALIST PERIODONTICS
Specialist treatment for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of gum disease, helping to protect the health of your gums, supporting bone, and natural teeth.
Enquire About SPECIALIST PERIODONTICS
SPECIALIST PERIODONTICS
Bleeding gums, gum recession or persistent inflammation can be signs that your gums need further attention. You may have been told you have gum disease, noticed your teeth are looking longer or become concerned about changes to your gum line. At Stoke Lane Dentistry in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, we provide specialist periodontal care to investigate, diagnose and treat a wide range of gum problems. Our Specialist Periodontist, Dr Bindhu Koshy, provides advanced assessment and treatment for patients with gum disease, gum recession, periodontal problems and concerns about the appearance of their gums. Whether you've been referred by your dentist or would like to arrange an assessment yourself, we'll explain what's happening, discuss your treatment options and help you maintain healthier gums.
When should you see a Specialist Periodontist?
Gum problems are common, but not all require specialist treatment.
Your regular dentist or hygienist can manage many routine gum conditions. However, more advanced gum disease, persistent inflammation or complex gum problems may benefit from specialist assessment.
We can help with:
Bleeding or inflamed gums
Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing may be a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Persistent bleeding should be investigated.
Gum disease (periodontitis)
Periodontitis is a condition affecting the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to loss of supporting bone, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.
Receding gums
If your gums are receding, your teeth may appear longer or the roots may become exposed. Recession can cause sensitivity and concerns about appearance.
Loose or moving teeth
Advanced gum disease can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Specialist assessment can help determine the extent of the problem and whether treatment may help stabilise the condition.
Persistent gum infections
Repeated swelling, inflammation, discomfort or periodontal abscesses may indicate an underlying problem that requires further investigation.
Gummy smiles and uneven gum lines
If you feel too much gum is visible when you smile, or your gum line is uneven, specialist assessment can help determine whether gum contouring or another treatment may be appropriate.
Gum problems around dental implants
Inflammation or infection affecting the tissues around dental implants requires careful assessment. Early investigation may help prevent further complications.
Why see a Specialist Periodontist?
Advanced expertise in gum health and the supporting structures of your teeth
A Specialist Periodontist is a dentist who has completed additional recognised training in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth.
While general dentists and hygienists provide important routine periodontal care, a specialist has additional training in managing more advanced or complex problems.
This can be particularly valuable when:
• Gum disease is moderate to severe.
• Gum problems continue despite previous treatment.
• Teeth have become loose or the supporting bone has been affected.
• Gum recession is progressing or causing sensitivity.
• Surgical periodontal treatment may be required.
• You are concerned about a gummy smile or uneven gum line.
• Problems around dental implants need specialist investigation.
At Stoke Lane Dentistry, our approach is to establish the cause and extent of the problem before recommending treatment.
The aim is to control disease, preserve your natural teeth and support long-term gum health.
Meet Dr Bindhu Koshy
Specialist Periodontist | Gum Disease, Gum Recession & Periodontal Treatment
Dr Bindhu Koshy provides specialist assessment and treatment for patients with gum disease, gum recession and other conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
Her specialist expertise allows her to assess more complex periodontal problems, including persistent inflammation, loss of supporting bone and cases where routine periodontal care has not achieved the desired improvement.
Bindhu understands that patients may be concerned about bleeding gums, loose teeth, gum recession or the possibility of losing their teeth.
Her approach is to investigate the condition thoroughly, explain the findings and recommend treatment based on each patient’s individual needs.
As part of Stoke Lane’s multidisciplinary team, Bindhu can work alongside colleagues in endodontics, prosthodontics and oral surgery where a patient’s treatment requires expertise from more than one discipline.
Her priority is to help patients control periodontal disease, preserve their teeth wherever possible and maintain healthier gums over the long term.
Frequently asked questions about gum disease and periodontics
Your Periodontics Questions Answered Concerned about bleeding gums, gum recession or loose teeth? Our frequently asked questions explain the causes of gum disease, available specialist treatments and what to expect during your visit. At Stoke Lane Dentistry, we're here to help you understand your options and feel confident about taking the next step towards healthier gums.
A Periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. A GDC-registered Specialist Periodontist has completed recognised specialist training or met the relevant registration requirements.
You may benefit from specialist assessment if you have advanced gum disease, persistent bleeding or inflammation, receding gums, loose teeth, significant bone loss or gum problems that haven’t improved with routine care.
Gingivitis can usually be reversed with effective plaque control and professional care. Periodontitis causes damage to the supporting tissues that may not be fully reversible, but treatment can often control the disease and help maintain periodontal stability.
Gingivitis can usually be reversed with effective plaque control and professional care. Periodontitis causes damage to the supporting tissues that may not be fully reversible, but treatment can often control the disease and help maintain periodontal stability.
Gum tissue that has receded does not usually grow back naturally. However, specialist treatment may help manage the cause, prevent further recession and, in suitable cases, provide root coverage through periodontal surgery
No. Many cases of gum recession can be managed through monitoring, improved plaque control and addressing contributing factors. Gum grafting is considered when there is a clear clinical indication.
Yes. Gum disease can contribute to persistent bad breath because of bacterial plaque, inflammation and periodontal pockets. However, bad breath can have several causes, so an assessment is important
Yes. Inflammation and infection can affect the tissues surrounding dental implants. Conditions such as peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis require appropriate assessment and management.
In suitable cases, a Periodontist can provide gum contouring or crown lengthening to improve the appearance of the gum line. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the gummy smile.
Periodontal treatment is usually carried out with appropriate local anaesthesia where needed. Some tenderness or sensitivity may occur afterwards, depending on the procedure. Your clinician will explain what to expect.
No. You can contact Stoke Lane Dentistry directly to arrange a periodontal consultation. We also welcome referrals from general dental practitioners.
Sedation for adults & children
Dental anxiety shouldn't prevent you from getting the care you need. Our experienced team offers IV and inhalation sedation to help make treatment more comfortable and manageable. This could be particularly effective for parents, nervous adults and people who have avoided treatment for years.
Patient Reviews
What our Patients are Saying
I’ve been coming to this surgery for about 22 years. I’ve always found it very helpful and the staff were brilliant and very welcoming.
All round, I’ve come in here and felt very very relaxed about everything. I would definitely recommend this practice to others.
