Periodontal care in Bundaberg
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in Australian adults, and most people don't know they have it until it's advanced. Acclaim Dental's dentists and oral health therapists diagnose and treat gum disease at every stage, from bleeding gums to established periodontitis.
Treatment
- Periodontal assessment, measuring the pockets around each tooth and reviewing X-rays for bone loss
- Scale and clean for gingivitis and early disease
- Deep cleaning (root debridement) under local anaesthetic to remove bacteria and calculus below the gum line
- Soft-tissue laser therapy to reduce bacteria and support healing where suitable
- Maintenance program with three to four monthly visits to keep the disease stable
- Home care coaching for the brushing and interdental cleaning that does most of the work
Why act now
Bone lost to periodontitis doesn't grow back. The earlier gum disease is treated, the more of your own teeth you keep. If your gums bleed, that's not normal. Book a check-up.
Gingivitis versus periodontitis
| Gingivitis | Periodontitis | |
|---|---|---|
| What's happening | Gums inflamed by plaque | Infection has spread below the gum, destroying the bone and fibres that hold teeth |
| Signs | Red, puffy, bleeding gums | Receding gums, bad breath, loose or drifting teeth, pus, gaps appearing |
| Reversible? | Yes, fully | Bone loss is permanent, but progression can be stopped |
| Treatment | Professional clean and home care | Deep cleaning, possibly laser therapy, ongoing maintenance |
Risk factors
- Smoking and vaping, the single biggest risk factor and the one that most affects healing
- Diabetes, especially when blood sugar is poorly controlled. Gum disease and diabetes make each other worse
- Family history
- Stress, and grinding or clenching
- Some medications that cause dry mouth or gum overgrowth
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Irregular cleaning, at home or professionally
What periodontal treatment involves
Assessment
Every tooth is measured at six points to record pocket depth, bleeding and recession. X-rays show bone levels. This gives a baseline to measure progress against.
Active treatment
Deep cleaning below the gum line, done in sections under local anaesthetic over one or more visits. The soft-tissue laser may be used to disinfect pockets and encourage healing.
Review
Six to eight weeks later we re-measure. Most pockets shrink and bleeding drops dramatically once the bacteria are removed and home care improves.
Maintenance
Cleans every three to four months. Gum disease is controlled, not cured, and maintenance is what keeps it that way.
Gum recession and sensitivity
As gums recede they expose root surfaces that aren't covered by enamel, which is why many periodontal patients have sensitive teeth. Desensitising toothpaste, fluoride applications and, in some cases, bonding over exposed roots all help. If recession is severe, referral to a periodontist for gum grafting may be discussed.