Louise’s Story: How Perio & Implants Saved My Tooth
I always thought that good oral hygiene and regular check-ups would be enough to keep my teeth healthy. So when my general dentist told me I had periodontal disease, I was shocked. I had started to notice some bleeding when brushing, and my gums felt a little sensitive, but I never imagined it was something serious.
Thankfully, my dentist referred me to Perio & Implants Dental Referral Centre in Richmond for specialist treatment. I had no idea at the time how important this referral would be in saving my teeth.
Starting with the Least Invasive Treatment
At my first appointment, Dr. Delaunay thoroughly assessed my gums and confirmed that I had severe generalised periodontitis. He explained that the first line of treatment is always Non-Surgical Therapy (NST)—a deep professional cleaning designed to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gum line to help stop further damage and allow my gums to heal.
Over two sessions of NST, he carefully cleaned the affected areas, ensuring that all bacteria and debris were removed. I was hopeful that this would be enough, and for many areas, it was. My gums felt cleaner and healthier, and the inflammation had reduced.
When Surgery Became Necessary
At my follow-up appointment, Dr. Delaunay carefully checked my gums and let me know that while most areas had improved, a few stubborn spots still had deep pockets, including one around my lower right premolar. Even after the deep cleanings, there was still a small gap where bacteria could hide and continue causing damage.
Hearing that I still had an issue was worrying—I had really hoped the treatment so far would be enough. But Dr. Delaunay was calm and reassuring. He explained that in some cases, deep damage in the bone doesn’t heal on its own and that surgery could help rebuild and strengthen the area to keep my tooth stable.
I was nervous about the idea of surgery, but he talked me through everything in detail, answering all my questions. Knowing that this was the best chance to save my tooth for the long run made me feel much more at ease.
The Surgical Procedure That Made the Difference
As the day of the procedure approached, I couldn’t help but feel anxious. The idea of gum surgery sounded daunting, and I was worried about discomfort and how it would feel. But from the moment I arrived, Dr. Delaunay and his team made sure I felt completely at ease. He took the time to explain every step again, reassuring me that he would be gentle and precise and that I wouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Once we started, I was surprised by how calm and comfortable I felt. Dr. Delaunay worked carefully and with such confidence that I knew I was in the best hands. He spoke to me throughout, checking that I was okay, which helped me relax. The whole procedure was much quicker than I expected, and I barely felt a thing.
Afterwards, his team gave me clear instructions for my recovery, and they were always available if I had any concerns. I had expected a long and painful healing process, but to my relief, I felt much better than I thought I would. Thanks to Dr. Delaunay’s skill and care, the experience was far easier and less stressful than I had imagined.
The Results That Changed Everything
✅ At my 6-month review, my deep pocket had reduced from 9mm to just 3mm—a sign that my gums were now healthy and stable.
✅ By 12 months, my periodontal status remained stable, and the bone had successfully regenerated.
✅ Most importantly, I kept my natural tooth—something I never thought would be possible when I first started treatment.
Why I’m So Grateful for My Referral
Looking back, I realise how crucial my general dentist’s referral was. Without it, I might have lost my tooth due to untreated disease progression. I am so grateful to Dr. Delaunay and the Perio & Implants team for their expertise, patience, and commitment to saving teeth whenever possible.
I also appreciate that Dr. Delaunay always starts with the least invasive treatment before considering surgery. Knowing that every effort was made to treat my condition non-surgically made me feel more confident and reassured throughout my journey.
If you’re experiencing gum problems or have been advised to see a specialist, don’t wait—getting the right treatment at the right time could be the key to saving your teeth.!
#SavingSmiles #GumHealth #PerioAndImplants #DrBrunoDelaunay #WhenToRefer #HealthyGums
