What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who has undertaken additional postgraduate training in periodontics and implantology. Their primary focus encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition affecting both gum tissue and the underlying supporting bone, often recognised as gum disease. They are also proficient in the placement of dental implants and soft and hard tissue grafting.
What We Do
Non-surgical periodontal treatment
Following a comprehensive periodontal examination, your periodontist may advise non-surgical periodontal treatment such as scaling and root debridement. Many patients may not require additional treatment after scaling and root debridement, however, most patients will require ongoing periodontal maintenance therapy to ensure things stay healtly.
These procedures do have limitations. When non-surgical treatment does not achieve optimal periodontal health, your periodontist may recommend gum surgery.
Surgical periodontal treatment
In some cases your periodontist may need to perform a surgical procedure to treat periodontal disease. Regenerative procedures can also be considered when appropriate to reverse some of the damage caused by periodontal disease.
Gum Graft Surgery
Gum recession leads to exposure of the tooth root. The aim of gum graft surgery, is to increase the thickness and quality of the gums, cover the root surface and help prevent further recession. This procedure may help reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Crown Lengthening
The crown lengthening procedure can be performed to correct the aesthetic appearance of a “gummy” smile or irregular gum lines. It can also be performed to make a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure possible by adjusting the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored properly.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an option for the replacement of compromised or missing teeth. They are made of titanium and are surgically placed into the jaw bone to support a prosthetic tooth or bridge.
A full periodontal assessment is required prior to proceeding with dental implants to reduce the risk of complications in the short and long term. Dental implants offer a long-lasting option that preserves the health of your surrounding teeth while attaining a natural appearance.