Periodontics (gum disease) Gladstone
Caring for and treating the gums and other supportive structures.
Periodontics focuses on the health of your gums and the structures that support your teeth, including the jaw bone. Healthy gums play a major role in overall oral health. Problems in this area often affect the stability and comfort of your teeth.
During routine visits at Fanelli Dental, your dentist checks your gums as closely as your teeth. If an issue appears, the team explains whether improved home care will help, whether treatment in the practice is needed, or whether a referral to a periodontist is the best path.
This approach supports long term gum health and reduces the risk of future problems.
What is periodontics?
Periodontics is a specialist type of dentistry. It looks specifically at the gums and even the jawbone in relation to how these structures support the teeth.
One of the most common problems that periodontics deals with is gingivitis and gum disease, which occur in the gums, they are quite common but can be very damaging for your teeth if left untreated.
However, periodontics also deals with:
- Placing dental implants
- Scaling and tooth root cleaning (root debridement)
- Gum lifts and other cosmetic gum surgeries
- Bone and gum grafting
- Crown lengthening
- Periodontal surgery
As our gums help to nurture and support our teeth, they’re very important for our overall dental health. So when you look after your gums, you’re really looking after your teeth and helping to maintain a bright, healthy smile.
What does a Periodontist do?
All general dentists understand the basics of periodontal care and provide routine treatment for common gum concerns. When a case needs more complex support, a periodontist becomes involved.
A periodontist is a specialist who manages advanced procedures such as bone grafting, gum grafting, periodontal surgery, and implant placement. You also see them for ongoing reviews during recovery from these treatments.
Your dentist at Fanelli Dental guides this process. If your situation needs specialist care, you receive a referral to a trusted periodontist. Some practices include a periodontist on site, though you might visit another clinic depending on availability and your treatment needs.
What are the advantages of receiving periodontics?
Periodontal treatment is a must for anyone with issues with their gums. Here are the key benefits:
What to expect from your periodontal appointment
The exact details of your periodontal appointment will vary depending on whether you’re visiting for a check-up and clean or if you’re getting treatment.
Here’s what to expect from a standard check-up and clean with a Periodontist:
- Brush and floss your teeth before you arrive
- Your Periodontist will ask about any symptoms you’ve had, such as swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- They will do an oral exam and check for plaque
- If you already have gum pockets, they will take note of the size of these pockets
- Your dental professional will take x-rays to check for bone health below the gums
- Based on your oral health, your Periodontist will recommend a treatment plan, including changes you can make at home
If you suffer from gingivitis and want to reduce your infector, or you have periodontitis and you want to ensure you can manage your symptoms, you should consider speaking to a qualified Periodontist. By speaking to a periodontist early, you can significantly improve and manage your oral health.
Frequently asked questions
Periodontitis is the advanced form of gingivitis, a disease where your gums become infected. Gingivitis and periodontitis come from poor oral health, such as not brushing and flossing well or often enough, and consuming a diet high in sugary foods and drinks.
While gingivitis can be reversed with good oral health and a professional clean from your dental hygienist, periodontitis cannot be reversed. Once the disease has reached this stage, it becomes about managing the symptoms and stopping it from getting worse.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment or medication that can ‘heal’ periodontal disease. Once you have it, your periodontist will help you to manage the symptoms through measures such as regular cleanings and flap surgery.
The best treatment for gum infection is good oral hygiene at home, including brushing and flossing, and avoiding a diet high in sugary foods and drinks. It is also important to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and further treatment options if needed.
A Periodontist is a specialist kind of dentist who focuses solely on the periodontal area of the mouth - the gums and jawbone beneath the gums. They perform a variety of treatments, from simple procedures such as removing plaque from teeth to implanting false teeth and doing gum grafts.
Their job is to ensure your gums are healthy and well enough to support your teeth and, therefore, your oral health overall.
Our experienced dentists welcome you
Our experienced dentists welcome you
There is no need to feel guilty or judged about your current oral health and smile. Our compassionate team is solution-oriented and passionate about helping patients recover their health and their smiles with high-quality dentistry and personalised care.
Contact our Gladstone dental clinic, and we will arrange a time for you to come in and talk with one of our dentists. Your call could be the first step to having a confident, radiant smile again.