Gum Disease Treatment
Protecting Your Foundations
Gum disease is a serious, progressive infection that threatens the foundation of your smile. At Appin Dental, we specialise in the early detection, prevention, and comprehensive treatment of gum disease, ranging from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.
Our approach focuses on stopping the infection, restoring the health of your gums, and preventing tooth and bone loss. We use gentle, advanced techniques to protect your long term oral and overall health. Do not risk your smile; early treatment is key.
Worried about bleeding gums or bad breath? Book your Gum Health Check today
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What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding your teeth, caused primarily by the build-up of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When plaque isn't removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. This build up irritates the gumline, leading to a progressive infection that affects the health and stability of your entire smile. The disease progresses in two main stages:
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Gingivitis (Early Stage)
This is the mildest form and is often signalled by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily when brushing or flossing. Crucially, at this stage, the bone and connective tissue supporting the teeth are not yet damaged. Because of this, gingivitis is usually fully reversible with professional dental cleaning and a dedicated improvement in your home oral hygiene routine.
Periodontitis (Advanced Stage)
If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses into periodontitis. The persistent inflammation causes the gums to pull away from the tooth, creating small spaces called "pockets." These pockets trap more bacteria, plaque, and tartar, deepening the infection. This leads to the irreversible destruction of the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place. The result is bone loss, severely receding gums, and eventually, the loosening and loss of teeth.
Common Signs You Might Need Gum Treatment
It is important to recognise the early warning signs of gum disease, as treatment is most effective in the early stages.
Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
Swollen or Tender Gums: Redness or inflammation around the gum line.
Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis): Caused by bacteria deep within the gum pockets.
Receding Gums: Teeth appearing longer as the gum tissue pulls away.
Loose Teeth: A sign of bone loss, indicating advanced periodontitis.
Pus Between Teeth and Gums: A clear sign of active infection.
Why Is Gum Disease Treatment Essential?
Treating gum disease is critical because its effects extend far beyond your mouth, impacting your overall health and smile stability.
Prevents Tooth Loss
Periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Treatment halts the bone destruction that leads to loose teeth.
Protects Overall Health
Untreated gum infection has been linked to serious systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory problems.
Stops Pain and Bleeding
Treatment immediately addresses the source of inflammation, reducing bleeding, sensitivity, and discomfort.
Eliminates Bad Breath
Professional cleaning removes the deep bacteria and tartar causing persistent bad breath.
Preserves Bone Structure
Effective treatment is the only way to save the jawbone that supports your natural teeth, maintaining your facial structure.
Gum Disease Treatment Procedures at Appin Dental
Our treatment is customised based on the stage of your disease. We always focus on conservative, non-surgical methods first.
A thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar deposits from above the gum line. This is often enough to reverse gingivitis.
This procedure involves meticulously scaling away tartar from the tooth roots below the gum line and smoothing the root surfaces. This allows the gum tissue to reattach to a clean, smooth surface, shrinking the pockets.
Placement of topical or oral antibiotics directly into the gum pockets to kill residual bacteria following deep cleaning.
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If non-surgical deep cleaning is insufficient, we will refer you to a specialist (a Periodontist) for more complex treatments like flap surgery or bone/gum grafting to regenerate lost tissue.
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Cost & Health Fund Information for Gum Treatment
We believe in making necessary health treatments accessible. The cost of gum disease treatment depends entirely on the severity (the number of deep pockets) and the complexity of the treatment required (a standard clean versus full scaling and root planning).
Detailed Quote
Following your initial examination and diagnosis, we provide a detailed, itemised treatment plan and quote.
Health Funds
Gum disease treatment, including standard cleans and deep cleaning (scaling and root planning), is typically covered by the General Dental component of private health insurance.
HICAPS Claims
We process HICAPS claims instantly for on-the-spot rebates.
CDBS
We accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for eligible children needing preventative or general dental care.
Why Choose Appin Dental for Your Gum Health?
Choosing the right dental partner is vital when addressing an ongoing health issue like gum disease.
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Precision and Early Detection
We use advanced diagnostic tools to precisely measure gum pockets and identify the disease early, ensuring the most effective and least invasive treatment.
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Gentle, Thorough Care
Our dental hygienists and dentists are trained in providing meticulous deep cleaning in a gentle manner, prioritising your comfort throughout the procedure.
03
Education Focus
We empower you with the correct techniques and tools (e.g., interdental brushes, floss) to maintain your periodontal health at home and prevent recurrence.
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Collaborative Local Care
We are proud to serve Appin, Wilton, and Picton, offering comprehensive care that integrates gum health into your overall wellness plan.
Book Your Gum Health Check in Appin
Do not ignore bleeding gums. Take the crucial step toward arresting the infection and protecting your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gum Disease
Gingivitis is fully reversible. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is not curable but is highly manageable. With professional deep cleaning and rigorous home care, its progression can be stopped, saving your teeth.
Once you have periodontitis, you will typically require more frequent hygiene appointments (often every three to four months) instead of the standard six months to keep the infection under control.
We use local anaesthetic to thoroughly numb the areas being treated, ensuring the procedure is comfortable and pain free. You may feel some mild, temporary sensitivity afterward.
The main cause is the long term build-up of bacterial plaque and hard tartar due to insufficient brushing and flossing. Genetics and certain lifestyle factors (like smoking or diabetes) also increase risk.
