Advanced Services

Periodontics

Periodontics is a specialist field of dentistry for those that have severe periodontal (or gum) disease.

What is Periodontics?

A periodontist can assist with treating gum disease as they specialise in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of advanced periodontal disease. Periodontists provide a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures.

These include;

  • Placement and maintenance of dental implants
  • Scaling and root planning (for periodontal disease)
  • Soft tissue grafts
  • Pocket elimination surgery
  • Regenerative periodontal treatment
  • Socket preservation
  • Sinus augmentation
  • Peri-implant disease treatment

Need to Know

Appointments

  • At least 2 appointments
  • During the first visit, a periodontist will evaluate your gum (gingival) condition and measure the degree of any breakdown or pocketing between the gum and the tooth
  • The treatment will commence at your next visit.
  • You may need additional appointments with a periodontist if the treatment is more complex, or to assess the success of the treatment. It is important to remember that periodontal disease requires lifelong maintenance and our dentists and specialist periodontists are here to assist you.

How long it takes?

  • The first appointment will usually last for around 30 minutes
  • Treatment appointments will usually be at least 1 hour, however they will vary depending on the treatment you need

You may be asked about

  • Your dental and medical history
  • Your oral health care routine at home
  • If you're a smoker

Before your appointment

No special preparation is needed, however we advise you to maintain a regular oral health routine at home

After your appointment

  • If you have had a local anaesthetic, you will still feel a bit numb for the next couple of hours
  • You should avoid eating very hot or very cold foods - a soft food diet is usually recommended after treatment
  • Follow the care routine prescribed to you by your periodontist
  • Avoid drinking alcohol for at least a couple of days
  • Avoid smoking for at least a week following treatment or surgery
  • You may have some swelling or sensitivity for a couple of days
  • Be gentle brushing your teeth around the treatment area for the first few days

Quick tip

Talk to your dentist or specialist to give you advice about daily preventative dental care, such as teeth brushing techniques and how often you should floss.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner

FAQs

The cost of visiting a periodontist and treating gum disease ranges depending on the stage and severity of the disease. It is important to take care of your oral health to help prevent gum disease occurring. That’s why it is essential to visit the dentist regularly for a check-up and clean.

Yes. It all comes down to taking care of your oral health, with a combination of at-home dental care and building a regular relationship with your dentist or dental hygienist.

We recommend daily healthy habits and regular visits to the dentist. For a healthy smile and overall good oral health:

  • Practice good oral hygiene habits at home including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day
  • Book routine hygiene & check-up visits with a dentist or dental hygienist ideally every 6 months or as advised by your dentist

Gum disease can be identified and treated through early diagnosis and regular dental checks, or in more severe cases a referral to a periodontist may be necessary. Periodontists are experts in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of periodontal or gum diseases.

Periodontists are specialists in treating, diagnosing and preventing periodontal or gum disease. Often you may be referred to a periodontist by your dentist if they believe it is the best option for you.