GUM DISEASE

Are you having trouble with your gums?

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What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, occurs when the gums become inflamed from a gradual build-up of food and bacteria (called plaque or tartar). Initially gum disease may start with signs of redness and a tendency to bleed spontaneously or when brushing and flossing. As gum disease progresses the gums and bone start to shrink back, resulting in teeth losing their support. When it’s left untreated, teeth may loosen and eventually, prematurely lost. In fact, the most common cause of tooth loss is actually periodontal (gum) disease. Up to 30 to 40% of the adult population suffer from some level of gum disease.

The symptoms of gum disease may include bad breath, discoloured or bleeding gums, tooth loosening, and pain and swelling. The good news is when treated early, the effects of gum disease are reversible. Initial treatment for gum disease involves deep cleaning and gum disinfection, while more advanced cases may require gum surgery. Future development of gum disease is largely avoidable when you practice good oral hygiene and attend for regular professional dental cleanings.

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FAQs
What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a serious inflammation from the buildup of plaque (tartar) that causes damage to the soft and hard tissues around your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can destroy the bone that supports your teeth and cause them to loosen and lead to tooth loss.

Many forms of gum disease can be effectively treated through non-surgical procedures. However, in more advanced cases, gum surgery may be required. While gum disease is common, it is a preventable condition with good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and regular check-ups at the dentist will greatly reduce your risk of developing gum disease.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

When your gums are healthy, they should be firm, pale pink in colour, and tightly fitting around your teeth. If you develop gum disease, symptoms may include:

  • Swollen or puffy gums
  • Gums that are tender when touched
  • Bleeding gums
  • Receding gums
  • Bright red, dark red or purple gums
  • Loose teeth or tooth loss
  • Pain when chewing
  • Bad breath
  • Blood on your toothbrush
  • Spitting blood when brushing or flossing

Get treated with comfort and care. Book an appointment today at our dental studio.

Does gum disease lead to bad breath?

It certainly can. The bacteria that cause gum disease can lead to persistent bad breath and create a bad taste in your mouth. If you have bad breath that just won’t go away, it’s important to book an appointment at Studio Smiles to have your gum condition assess

Can gum disease go away by itself?

Gum disease is a chronic dental condition and requires active management by a dental professional. While it can certainly be improved with the proper home care, once it has reached a certain stage it will continue to deteriorate without appropriate dental treatment. Generally, the first line of treatment involves deep cleaning and gum disinfection to remove the bacterial burden. However, if left untreated, gum disease can pose future health risks, and lead to tooth loss. Book your appointment today, and smile with confidence.

What are my treatment options?

Gum disease treatment (or periodontal disease treatment) is important to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent future health risks. In saying this, establishing proper oral hygiene techniques and habits to avoid bacteria build up in the first place, will be your first line of defence.

Dental Clean and Polish

Where the gum disease is limited to early inflammation, this can be reversed with a regular professional dental cleaning. An ultrasonic device is used to flush out the gums and remove any irritating tartar build-ups with gentle vibration. At Studio Smiles we have invested in an excellent warm water ultrasonic machine, which as opposed to the cold water variant is much more comfortable with little to no sensitivity.

Deep Cleaning and Gum Disinfection (Scaling and Root Planing)
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning and gum disinfection, is a non-surgical form of gum disease treatment that involves cleaning the gums and teeth under a local anaesthetic (numbing). This allows us to reach build up and bacteria deep underneath the gums without you feeling a thing. Deep cleaning and gum disinfection is indicated where gum disease has progressed to bone loss or pocket formation (which is where the gums start falling away from the teeth). With our special heated anaesthetic and gentle approach we can ensure your scaling and root planing is completely pain-free.

Get treated with comfort and care. Book an appointment today.

Will my treatment hurt?

Here at Studio Smiles, we take pride in our emphasis on pain-free dentistry. We understand that going to the dentist can be daunting and that there are certain procedures you may find uncomfortable, so we use the latest techniques and technology to make you feel as comfortable as we possibly can. We also offer oral and IV sedation to take the edge off where needed, which means you can wake up to the smile of your dreams without remembering a thing! Book an appointment today.

How much will this cost me?

Costs will vary depending on the individual and the treatment necessary. We believe in a transparent approach, so we make it a rule to provide all relevant treatment options and costs, including the advantages and disadvantages where relevant. This is an important part of our informed consent process. Patients may choose to opt for one of our interest-free payment plans to have their smile transformed now, while having the flexibility to pay later on their own terms. Payment plans can help alleviate the financial barriers to a healthy mouth. We want to make sure you feel completely comfortable with the next steps throughout your entire journey. Book an appointment today.

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Visiting the dentist can be costly. That’s why we’ve come up with our ‘Smile Now, Pay Later’ solution. With interest-free payment plans for Highett patients, you’ll be able to pay on your own terms.

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With over 40 years of combined dental experience serving Highett, we know what it takes to achieve the smile of your dreams. We’ve thought about every detail so you can feel completely confident.

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