Periodontitis (gum disease) is an infection of the gums and supporting tissues. The infection causes the bone that supports the teeth to resorb and the gums are often red, swollen,sometimes tender and bleed easily.
Common symptoms include bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, bleeding gums and loose teeth. If left untreated gum disease can cause teeth to be lost prematurely. There are several risk factors which increase your risk of gum health disease including smoking, stress, genetics and systemic conditions such as diabetes.
At Dentistry on Unley every patient is screened and serviced carefully for gum disease at every examination and hygiene appointment. If gum disease is detected we will perform a more detailed analysis of the gums to identify the stage of the disease.
Treatment for gum disease usually requires 3-4 appointments with our hygiene department, where plaque and tartar on the teeth will be meticulously removed, leaving no plaque buildup and minimal bacteria, which gives the gums the best chance to heal.
A short course of antibiotics is sometimes recommended. For more severe or complex cases a referral to a periodontist (gum specialist) may be required.
Following gum treatment regular hygiene service appointments must be kept to maintain the health of the gums and to prevent further progression of the gum disease.
At Dentistry on Unley our practitioners have access to the most modern equipment, instruments and materials to ensure you are receiving high quality, comfortable treatment.
Our team keep up-to-date with the latest developments in preventing and treating gum disease and we are proud to be able to provide a service to our patients that many other dental practices fail to offer.
Call us at +61 8 8272 9087 or enquire here!