Atlas Smiles Dental, Dentist in Wheelers Hill

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A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in periodontics. They have completed four years of dental school and three additional years of advanced training in periodontics. They can perform different procedures and treatments to improve your gum health and function, such as scaling and root planning, gum grafting, crown lengthening, dental implants, and periodontal surgery.

Gum disease is a common and serious condition that affects the gums and the bones that support the teeth. It is caused by bacteria that build up on the teeth and form plaque and tartar. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. Some of the symptoms of gum disease are: red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, loose or sensitive teeth, or changes in your bite. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see our dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.

The best way to prevent gum disease and keep your gums healthy is to practice good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use a mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and fresh. You should also avoid smoking, limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. You should also visit your dentist or periodontist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, and follow their recommendations for any treatments or procedures.

There are different types of periodontal treatments, depending on the severity and stage of your gum disease. Some of the common treatments are: scaling and root planning, which is a deep cleaning of the teeth and roots to remove plaque and tartar; gum grafting, which is a surgical procedure to cover exposed roots and restore gum tissue; crown lengthening, which is a surgical procedure to expose more of the tooth for cosmetic or restorative purposes; dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jawbone to support replacement teeth; and periodontal surgery, which is a surgical procedure to reshape or regenerate the gums and bones that support the teeth.

The cost of periodontal treatments depends on various factors, such as the type and extent of the treatment, the location, and the insurance coverage. In Australia, the average cost of periodontal treatments in Melbourne ranges from $300 to $4,000, but it can vary depending on your individual case and the dentist you choose. Some dentists may offer payment plans or discounts to make periodontal treatments more affordable. You can also check with your insurance provider if they cover any part of the cost of periodontal treatments.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both stages of periodontal disease, which is a gum infection that can damage the tissue and bone around the teeth. The main difference between them is that gingivitis is reversible, while periodontitis is not. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum around the base of the teeth, while periodontitis is the inflammation of the deeper tissue that supports the teeth. Gingivitis usually precedes periodontitis, but not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis1.

Some of the symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, or bleeding gums, while some of the symptoms of periodontitis are gum recession, periodontal pockets, dental abscesses, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Gingivitis is usually caused by plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene, while periodontitis is caused by untreated gingivitis and the spread of infection to the tooth-supporting tissues.

The treatment of gingivitis involves professional teeth cleaning and oral care at home, while the treatment of periodontitis may involve scaling and root planning, antibiotics, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. The prevention of both gingivitis and periodontitis involves good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding smoking and other risk factors.

Periodontal disease is a gum infection that can damage the tissue and bone around the teeth. It can cause symptoms such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or tooth loss. Periodontal disease can also increase the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

There are many factors that can increase the risk of periodontal disease, such as:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for periodontal disease. It can impair the blood flow to the gums, reduce the immune response, and increase the bacterial plaque and tartar on the teeth. Smoking can also affect the healing and success of periodontal treatments.
• Diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to use sugar (glucose) for energy. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease, as high blood sugar levels can increase the inflammation and infection of the gums. Poorly controlled diabetes can also worsen the severity and progression of periodontal disease.
• Poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene is the main cause of plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, which are the main sources of bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using a mouthwash can help remove plaque and prevent periodontal disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can also help detect and treat periodontal disease early.
• Stress. Stress is a psychological state that can affect the body’s ability to fight infections and heal wounds. Stress can also increase the production of hormones, such as cortisol, that can worsen the inflammation and damage of the gums. Stress can also affect the oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices of people, such as smoking, drinking, or eating unhealthy foods, that can increase the risk of periodontal disease.
• Heredity. Heredity is the genetic inheritance of traits from parents to offspring. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease, meaning they are more likely to develop it than others. This may be due to factors such as the shape and size of the teeth, the immune system, or the bacterial composition of the mouth. Genetic testing can help identify people who are at a higher risk of periodontal disease and provide them with preventive measures and treatments.
• Crooked teeth. Crooked teeth are teeth that are not aligned properly in the mouth. Crooked teeth can make it harder to clean the teeth and gums and create spaces where plaque and bacteria can accumulate. Crooked teeth can also affect the bite and the force distribution on the teeth, which can cause stress and damage to the gums and bones. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can help straighten the teeth and improve the oral health and function.

These are some of the risk factors for periodontal disease, but there may be others, such as medications, obesity, nutrition, or hormonal changes. You can find more information about periodontal disease and its risk factors by contacting our dental clinic.

Yes, children can get periodontal disease, which is a gum infection that can damage the tissue and bone around the teeth. Periodontal disease can cause symptoms such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or tooth loss. Periodontal disease can also increase the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

The main cause of periodontal disease in children is plaque buildup on the teeth, which contains bacteria that can harm the gums and teeth. Poor oral hygiene, poor diet, smoking, diabetes, stress, heredity, and crooked teeth are some of the factors that can increase the risk of periodontal disease in children.

Periodontal disease can range from mild to severe. Most children with gum disease have the mildest form, called gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red, swollen, and sore. Gingivitis is usually reversible with good dental care. More advanced cases of gum disease, such as periodontitis or necrotizing periodontal diseases, are not common in children, but can cause irreversible damage to the gums and teeth.

The treatment of periodontal disease in children depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some of the common treatments are scaling and root planning, which is a deep cleaning of the teeth and roots; gum grafting, which is a surgical procedure to restore gum tissue; dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that support replacement teeth; and periodontal surgery, which is a surgical procedure to reshape or regenerate the gums and bones.

The prevention of periodontal disease in children involves good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding smoking and other risk factors. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using a mouthwash can help remove plaque and prevent gum disease. Visiting a dentist can help detect and treat gum disease early and provide advice on how to care for the gums and teeth.