FAQs

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused when bacteria builds up between the gums and teeth. When the bacteria begin to grow they form a protective film or gel called plaque. This plaque helps to create a more ideal environment for the bacteria; protects the bacteria from your bodies’ defences and also protects them from antibiotics.

Once the bacteria/plaque colonise the teeth and root surfaces the gums surrounding the tooth can become inflamed.

If left untreated, this inflammation can cause the gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession and tooth loss. In addition, research has shown that gum disease may be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.

A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, as well as the placement and maintenance of dental implants.

Periodontists are also experts in managing oral inflammation and receive three additional years of specialised training beyond dental school. This advanced education ensures they are skilled in the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating gum disease, and in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

While many patients’ periodontal needs can be effectively managed by general dentists or dental hygienists, the increasing prevalence of periodontal disease—and its links to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer’s —highlight the importance of specialist care.

Periodontal treatment often requires advanced knowledge and expertise that trained periodontists provide. Patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease, or those with more complex cases, benefit most from a collaborative approach between their general dentist and a periodontist.

This partnership ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s specific needs, improving outcomes and supporting overall health.

On your first visit, we usually review your complete medical and dental history. It is important for us to know if any medications are being taken or if you are being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.

During the examination:

• we check the gums  to see if there is any gum line recession

• assess how the teeth fit together when biting, and

• check the teeth to see if any are loose.

We use a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets. This helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums.

X-rays may also be taken to check for any pathology below the gum line.

Gum disease is often called a “silent” condition because symptoms may not appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Early detection is key to preventing long-term damage.

Common warning signs of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Bleeding during brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods

• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, making teeth appear longer

• Loose or shifting teeth

• Pus between the gums and teeth

• Sores or ulcers in the mouth

• Persistent bad breath

• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

• Changes in the fit of partial dentures

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your dentist or periodontist promptly.

Early treatment can help preserve your oral health and prevent more serious problems

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.

Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

A procedure called “socket preservation” is sometimes needed to preserve bone and minimise bone loss adjacent to a tooth that has been removed. One common technique is to fill the socket with bone or bone substitute and allow the bone to heal for approximately four to twelve months before implant placement.

“Ridge modification” may be needed if you don’t have enough bone to support an implant. This bone loss could be caused by periodontal disease, wearing dentures, injury, or trauma. During this procedure, bone or bone substitute is added where needed to ensure a proper foundation for implants. Your bone usually needs four to twelve months of healing time before placing implants.

“Sinus augmentation” may be needed to place implants in the upper back jaw, where your bone is very close to your sinus. In this procedure, the sinus floor is raised so there is more room for new bone to grow to provide a proper foundation for implants. After four to twelve months of healing time, you will be ready to have your implants placed.

All of these procedures have been shown to greatly increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come.

A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options, including:

• Maintain the integrity of your remaining teeth. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighbouring teeth. The other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that the adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge. When replacing multiple teeth, bridges and partial dentures rely on support from adjacent teeth, while implant-supported bridges do not.

• Maintain bone health. Because a dental implant will replace your tooth root, your jawbone is better preserved. Implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep your bone healthy and intact. With a bridge or denture, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth starts to deteriorate.

• Long-term benefits. In the long term, implants are aesthetic, functional, and comfortable. On the other hand, gums and bone can recede around a bridge or denture which leaves a visible defect, deteriorated bone from bridges and dentures can lead to a collapsed and unattractive smile, and cement holding bridges in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that are anchoring the bridge.

Finally, removable dentures can move around in your mouth, reducing your ability to eat certain foods.