Periodontics is a highly specialised field addressing gum needs.
What is the role of Specialist Periodontist?
Periodontics is the specialist field of dentistry that encompasses implant surgery, bone grafts, gum lifts, and treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease (gum disease).
Our periodontists work in seamless collaboration with our specialist prosthodontists in cases that require restoration of the teeth using crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, dentures or any combination of these.
Periodontics generally begins with an assessment and evaluation of a patient’s gum tissue (known as periodontal tissue). It can be assisted in the surgery by the removal of plaque, calculus (tartar) and general staining, as well as the application of decay-preventing agents as required. And it is best maintained at home by means of a dental care routine specifically designed by your general dentist or dental hygienist.
However, there are some circumstances in which a patient may require additional advanced periodontal treatment, known as periodontics.
Professional Hygiene and Ongoing Maintenance
Regular hygiene appointments with a gum specialist, along with optimum home care, ensure ongoing maintenance of your teeth and gums.
If you require additional advanced periodontal treatment, we offer the services of our registered specialist periodontists (gum specialists).
Who will provide my Periodontic Treatment?
To qualify as a registered specialist periodontist in Australia, practitioners must first have the same degree as a general dentist, with honours. They then study for a further three to four years for a Masters degree or equivalent specific training, making them eligible to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia as a specialist periodontist.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need a referral to see our specialist periodontists. Please call us on 13 13 96 to discuss your needs and make an appointment.
To qualify as a registered specialist periodontist in Australia, practitioners must first have the same degree as a general dentist, with honours. They then study for a further three to four years for a Masters degree or equivalent specific training, making them eligible to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia as a specialist periodontist.
Hygienists, periodontists and dentists each play a different role in looking after your dental health, and so you will visit them for different reasons.
Your hygienist will perform your professional teeth clean and look after the health of your gums every six months. They focus on assessing your oral health and prevention of future dental problems.
Your dentist will perform your annual check-ups and look after your general dental health. If your dentist or hygienist finds evidence of gum disease they may choose to refer you to a periodontist.
A periodontist is a dental specialist whose focus is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease), and in placing dental implants and performing bone grafts and gum lifts.
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a condition that involves either inflammation of the gums (known as gingivitis) or a more chronic condition (periodontitis). Advanced cases of periodontitis can cause loss of the bone structures that support the teeth and, subsequently, loss of the teeth themselves. Periodontitis has been shown to be associated with heart disease, stroke, whole body (systemic) infections and low birth weight in premature babies.
Look out for:
- bleeding gums
- swollen gums
- redness of the gums
- painful gums
- loss of gum tone and texture
- gum recession
- bad taste
- halitosis (or bad breath)
- tooth movement and migration
- difficulty chewing.
If you have periodontal disease you may be referred to a periodontist for assessment and ongoing treatment of the gums. At Smile Solutions you do not need a referral to see one of our specialist periodontists. Just call us on 13 13 96 to discuss your needs and arrange an appointment.