19
May
Periodontal Care: Stop Gum Disease Before it Causes Irreversible Damage
Tender, bleeding, and swollen gums are signs of gum disease that shouldn’t be ignored. Untreated, periodontal disease can cause receding gums, tooth loss, and systemic conditions. Red Hill Dental Practice offers gum disease treatment to patients in and around Red Hill, Victoria. Visit our office today to protect your oral and overall health.
How does gum disease occur?
Gum disease is an infection that affects gums and the surrounding structures. Gum disease occurs when plaque, a colorless, bacterial film—forms on the teeth because of poor oral hygiene. Over time, the bacteria in plaque multiply, inflaming your gums.
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which manifests with the following symptoms:
- Tenderness.
- Swollen gums.Â
- Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing and flossing.
- Bad breath
Gum disease is progressive and doesn’t stop at the above signs. Over time, harmful bacteria break down the ligaments that support the teeth. Gums start to recede, forming deep pockets between the teeth and gums, trapping more bacteria. As the infection spreads, bone loss occurs, and the teeth may begin to feel loose and eventually fall out. Worse yet, the oral pathogens can seep into the bloodstream, causing physical health problems. Â
How is gum disease treated?
Our office uses a conservative approach to gum disease management. For gingivitis, the dentist will recommend regular cleanings and optimal oral hygiene. However, we recommend deep teeth cleaning if you have moderate to severe periodontal disease. Â
This non-surgical treatment is two-fold.Â
- Scaling: The dentist uses special skills and tools to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and deep periodontal pockets. The procedure is done under local anesthesia to ensure a painless dental experience.Â
- Root planing: We’ll smooth the roots of your teeth to prevent future bacterial invasions. Polishing your roots also encourages gums to reattach to the teeth.Â
Many patients only need deep teeth cleaning to treat gum disease. However, severe cases may require advanced treatments like gum flap surgery. Our office will guide you every step of the way until you achieve optimal gum health.Â
Why should I treat gum disease?
Many patients don’t realize how treating gum disease can improve their oral and systemic health. Here are notable benefits of treating gum disease.Â
- Fresher breath: Gum disease treatment targets odor-causing bacteria lodged in the deep periodontal pockets. Patients experience improved breath after periodontal treatment.Â
- Healthy gums: End bleeding, sensitivity, and swelling by removing irritants that compromise the health of your gums.
- Protect your teeth: Help your teeth remain stable and healthy with periodontal disease treatment.Â
- Improved systemic health: Studies have shown a direct link between oral and overall health. Eliminating gum disease protects your systemic health from heart disease, pregnancy complications, diabetes, and other health issues. Â
- Cost-effectiveness: Address issues early on to save your wallet from costly repairs.Â
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (03) 5907 5942 | Existing Patients: (03) 5989 2144
Ready to put an end to gum disease?
Early intervention makes all the difference in managing gum disease. If you suspect periodontal disease, take action before the disease progresses. Red Hill Dental Practice provides effective treatments to stop gum disease at its source. Call (03) 5907 5942, and let’s get your gum health back on track.Â
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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.