27
Sep
Restore Your Gum Health and Protect Your Smile with Periodontal Disease Treatment
Do you brush and floss your teeth as directed by the dentist? Do you visit your dentist for routine dental exams and cleanings? If you neglect oral hygiene, gum disease can sneak up on your smile. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease attacks the gum tissues and the surrounding structures, causing gum recession and tooth loss.
Red Hill Dental Practice offers effective gum disease treatments in Red Hill, Victoria, to ensure you achieve optimal gum health. If you suspect gum disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Wooldridge and the team for non-surgical treatments.
How does gum disease develop?
The primary cause of gum disease is dental plaque. This colorless, sticky film forms in your mouth when unwanted bacteria mix with saliva and food debris. Brushing and flossing make it simple to remove dental plaque. However, when you neglect your oral hygiene, plaque thrives and encourages the growth of harmful bacteria that inflame your gums.
Gum disease develops in stages. Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of periodontal disease, often characterised by the following symptoms:
- Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing teeth
- Tender gums, especially when touched
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath
Untreated gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, which causes gum recession as the harmful bacteria attack the periodontal ligaments. If you don’t address gum disease at this stage, the disease damages the teeth-supporting bone, causing bone loss, loose teeth, and a wonky bite.
What are the treatment options for gum disease?
Gum disease is treated in stages but becomes difficult to treat once it advances. Gingivitis is the only reversible stage of gum disease because the infection is just on the surface of the gums. We often treat gingivitis with routine dental cleanings and a strict oral hygiene regimen of flossing, brushing, and using an oral rinse.
Severe gum disease requires treatment with deep teeth cleaning. This non-surgical treatment involves two procedures: scaling and root planing. Scaling removes bacterial toxins and hardened plaque from the tooth surface and beneath the gum line. Then, the dentist polishes (planes) the tooth roots to remove rough spots that harmful bacteria cling to. Root planing also encourages gum tissues to reattach to your teeth.
Advanced periodontitis may require advanced treatments like tissue grafting and periodontal surgery. Although periodontal procedures can be frightening, our dental team will walk you through each step until you reach the best possible state of gum health.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (03) 5907 5942 | Existing Patients: (03) 5989 2144
Is gum disease preventable?
Daily oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease. Brush twice a day and floss at least once daily. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to remove harmful bacteria in areas your toothbrush and dental floss can’t reach.
If you are a smoker, it’s essential to quit this harmful habit. Tobacco products promote plaque buildup and cause mouth dryness, both of which contribute to gum disease. Lastly, visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings.
Does a dentist provide periodontal therapy in my area?
Are your gums trying to tell you something? If you notice redness, tenderness, or bleeding in your gums, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a dentist for treatment. Don’t delay treatment because it’s just a matter of time before gum disease causes irreversible damage.
Are you looking for gum disease treatment in Red Hill, Victoria? Call (03) 5907 5942 to schedule an appointment with Red Hill Dental Practice.
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Dr. Emma Barnsley
Dr. Emma Barnsley has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years since earning her Bachelor of Dentistry from Sheffield University in 2003. She also holds an MFDS from The Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow. Dr. Emma is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the ICCDE (Orth), and her expertise spans general, cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. She is particularly focused on optimizing children’s dental development. Dr. Emma is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and stays committed to continuous professional development to ensure the best outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Julia Gellatly
Dr. Julia Gellatly has over 15 years of dental experience, having graduated with honors from her Bachelor of Dental Science in 2009. She further advanced her qualifications with a Master’s in Forensic Medicine from Monash University in 2020, becoming a certified Forensic Odontologist. Dr. Julia is known for her expertise in restorative and pediatric dentistry, with a special focus on alleviating anxiety in patients. She is recognized for her thorough patient education and gentle approach, ensuring informed, comfortable care. Her continuous pursuit of professional growth underscores her dedication to excellence and patient trust.
Dr. Chris Wooldridge
Dr. Chris Wooldridge is a highly skilled dentist with extensive post-graduate training, including a diploma in Advanced General Dentistry and a Mastership in Implantology from Melbourne University. With years of experience, he is an active member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the Australasian Osseointegration Society, and the International Team for Implantology. Dr. Chris is dedicated to offering advanced, evidence-based treatments and regularly undertakes professional development. His commitment to patient care, education, and the latest techniques ensures a high standard of dental care and fosters trust and confidence in his patients.
Skye Greenhill
With two decades of experience, Skye Greenhill is a highly qualified dental therapist who graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2004. She holds a postgraduate certificate in dental therapy (advanced clinical practice), which she completed in 2010. Skye is recognized for her expertise in pediatric and young adult care, and she prioritizes reducing dental anxiety through patient-centered approaches. She has also served as a clinical demonstrator at The University of Melbourne. She stays current with the latest practices through regular professional development, ensuring trustworthy and high-quality care for all her patients.
Dr. Paul Gleeson
Dr. Paul Gleeson has over 35 years of dental experience, with expertise in general, cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. A graduate of the Las Vegas Institute, Dr. Paul is highly skilled in implant planning and placement. He is a respected member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the VDEAS Study Group. Known for his commitment to tailored patient care, Dr. Paul stays current with the latest advancements in dentistry, ensuring his treatments are of the highest standard. His long-standing experience and dedication to excellence make him a trusted name in dental care.
Dr. Raoul Harrison
Dr. Raoul Harrison has over 40 years of experience, having graduated from Melbourne University in 1983. He has extensive expertise in oral surgery, implant placement, and wisdom tooth removal, with advanced training from Zurich and Boston. Dr. Raoul has been placing implants since 1997 and is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the International Team for Implantology, and the International Association of Dental Traumatology. His dedication to continued education and collaboration within his field makes him a highly authoritative and trusted professional in oral surgery and implantology.