Periodontics
A very detailed gum assessment will be done for patients at risk of periodontal disease. We will also need to take x-rays to determine the amount of supporting bone that has become affected by gum disease. Commonly you will also be referred for an OPG (orthopantomagram), this will give us a comprehensive overview of your teeth, bone levels and jaw joint.
A small measuring tool, called a periodontal probe, allows us to identify what areas bleed easily or have receded and to measure the depth of the gum pockets alongside the tooth. Pockets are usually shallow when the gums are healthy, but will deepen with gum disease.
When periodontitis is present:
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Pocket depth increases due to swelling and inflammation and destructive changes.
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The gums may bleed easily when touched, flossed and brushed.
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The bone level changes around the tooth.
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Your teeth may literally fall out.
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Initial deep cleaning phase
This first step is to reduce the gingival inflammation and allow the tooth supporting tissues to recover. For an optimal result, the oral hygiene must be excellent. The initial treatment phase includes the following:
Personalised oral hygiene instruction using techniques and tools adapted to your needs.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). Special instruments are used below the gum line to remove soft and hard deposits from the tooth surface; this is done mainly under local anesthesia and usually requires 2 to 4 appointments.
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Maintenance phase
Approximately 12 weeks after the initial cleaning phase is completed, we will re-examine your gums in order to evaluate the healing that has occurred and determine if additional treatment is recommended and plan the latter. Usually we recommend a follow up maintenance program.
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Surgery phase
Persistent gum disease may sometimes benefit from gum surgery with or without antibiotics.
IV Sedation
Intravenous Sedation (twilight Sedation) can be offered for periodontal and Implant treatment. This is helpful for patients who prefer to be sedated.
Crown Lengthening
Often when a tooth fractures or has a very large filling you will need a crown-lengthening procedure to restore the tooth to normal function. We will establish proper gingival contours while exposing the complete crown of the tooth.
This procedure involves the re-contouring of the gum and bone surrounding the tooth. This provides your dentist with sufficient tooth to work with in order to place the crown so that it can be retained on the tooth and to allow the gum tissues to be healthy.
Ridge Augmentation and Root Coverage
After a tooth is lost, the gums can shrink, creating a ridge or recession defect and restore lost gum and bone. Different procedures can be used to correct these defects and restore lost gum.
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12 month post op
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Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

Gum tissue provides an important aesthetic framework for the teeth and overall appearance of the mouth. Therefore, fundamental to the smile makeover is the assessment of the gum tissue. Removal of excess tissue, building up of minimal gum tissue, and re-contouring of existing tissues are procedures we routinely perform to provide the best possible framework for your smile.