Looking after your gum health

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Gum disease can affect people of all ages and often early symptoms are easily missed. Periodontics is the field of dentistry that specialises in the prevention and treatment of diseases of the tooth-supporting tissues.

The warning signs for gingivitis and periodontitis might appear roughly the same, certainly when checking at home, yet the treatment and damage done is very different. Only a dental professional can check your bone levels by looking at your x-rays. If diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist or hygienist for treatment.

Periodontics services - what to expect

Our Specialist Periodontist are dental practitioners dedicated to the prevention and treatment of gum disease and treatment tooth-supporting tissues, the periodontium. You don’t need a referral to see our specialist or team of hygienists, if you have a history of gum disease in your family you can see them directly for a consultation.

Depending on the severity of your condition, certain treatment plans may be presented for your consideration, though they all follow an initial consultation with our specialist. Each consultation includes: Scans, X-rays and other examinations to determine the stage of your condition. Once determined you can expect your treatment options to include (but not limited to) the following:

Hygiene and deep clean

Early stages of gum disease can easily be managed through visiting our Dental Hygienists and getting a deep clean (prophylaxis) to remove plaque build up.

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Root Plaining

Sometimes plaque deposits are so advanced that a technique called ‘Root Plaining’ can be used to treat the symptoms.

Only performed by Specialists Periodontists, this deep scaling occurs under the gum line and is a non-invasive periodontal treatment option.

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Periodontic Surgery

Treatment for the most severe periodontitis conditions. Invasive procedures, which can include medical interventions, to help with tissue management and also bone growth.

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No matter how severe or complex your condition is, you can rest assured that your tailored treatment plan will help get you back to smiling again.

Once treatment is complete, onward care and maintenance with our specialist will also be available to keep you on the right track with your oral health.

The most obvious signs of periodontal disease are:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Bad breath
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums
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What is gum disease?

Gum disease (periodontitis) is an inflammatory disease. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural defence mechanism and occurs in your gums in response to a build-up of plaque (bacteria) on the teeth. In some people, this natural inflammatory process is too severe or poorly controlled and the inflammation actually damages the supporting structures of the teeth, namely the gums and supporting bone.

How can Periodontics help?

Depending on the severity of the condition, this disease can be treated successfully by removing all plaque and calculus deposits. Similar to diabetes, there is no cure, but by stabilising the disease, we can prevent further damage and help you to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

Do I have gum disease?

Approximately 10% of the population are severely affected by periodontal disease and by the age of 60 years old around 80% of people will display some bone loss, albeit mild. The disease is slow progressing and most people are not aware that they have it until diagnosed by a dental professional.

There appears to be some genetic link with periodontal disease. If you have been diagnosed,, then potentially your siblings and children may be at an increased risk of having the same problem. Ideally they should all be screened and monitored for potential problems by their general dentist.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can you just give me antibiotics?

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    This is not an infection; it is the body’s reaction to removable plaque. When the plaque is physically removed by you and by us, the inflammation will resolve, and the disease will stabilise without the need for antibiotics. Gum disease is never treated with antibiotics.

  • What if I don't have treatment?

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    If the bone loss around the teeth is not controlled then teeth may become loose, gums shrink and in some cases teeth may become infected and may need to be extracted.

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