Periodontitis is the name given to inflammation of the gum and bone surrounding the teeth.

It is caused by the effects of certain types of bacteria in the mouth. Inflamed gums can start to come away from the teeth to form gum pockets. When bacteria go deep into these pockets, the bone underneath starts to deteriorate. The resulting bone loss eventually allows teeth to become loose or fall out.

People with periodontitis often have red, swollen or bleeding gums. However, many people are not aware that they have inflamed gums because this process is often painless in the early stages.

Periodontitis is the number one reason for tooth loss. Research suggests clear links between gum inflammation and other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontitis.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular dental visits can help to reduce your risk of developing periodontal diseases.

Your periodontist may recommend treatment to reduce inflammation and improve your gum health. In some cases, periodontal regeneration may be helpful to reverse any damage caused by harmful bacteria.

Your gums can recede for a number of reasons, including periodontitis, incorrect brushing techniques, different types of trauma, or a prominent tooth position.

Gum recession can lead to root exposure, tooth sensitivity, decay, infection and cosmetic problems. In severe cases, teeth may become loose or may be at risk of being lost due to severe recession.

Careful brushing can often prevent receding gums from getting worse. Treatment may be recommended by your periodontist to prevent further recession or to cover exposed roots.

Many people lose teeth due to periodontitis, trauma or decay.

A common way to replace a missing tooth involves placing a dental implant. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that can be used to secure a replacement tooth.

Occasionally, there may not be enough bone for dental implants without carrying out a bone grafting procedure.

Your periodontist can guide you through the necessary steps including assessing your overall suitability for dental implants, treating any existing inflammation, carefully extracting any problem teeth, performing any necessary bone grafting and placing dental implants.

You may wish to consider cosmetic periodontal treatment to enhance your smile.

Sometimes the gums can be too large or uneven, causing the appearance of a ‘gummy’ smile. Occasionally, teeth can appear to be too short or worn down. Your periodontist may suggest crown lengthening to address these issues and improve the appearance of your smile.

Receding gums can make your teeth appear too long or cause the roots to show. Often this can be corrected by treatment with a periodontist.

Some teeth can appear to be crowded, protruding or have large gaps between them. Periodontitis is a common cause of these types of problems. Orthodontic treatment can significantly improve the position of your teeth once any inflammation has been successfully treated by a periodontist.

These important aspects of your smile may not always be addressed by conventional cosmetic dental treatment. We advise that any cosmetic procedures should be used only for therapeutic or reconstructive reasons.

A periodontist is a dentist who specialises in gum health, oral inflammation and dental implants. Periodontists receive additional training in these areas for at least three years beyond dental school.

Periodontists often treat more complex cases, such as those with severe gum disease or missing teeth. They understand the importance of obtaining a healthy mouth prior to starting major reconstructive dental treatment.

Periodontists are specially trained in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. They are also skilled in many other surgical procedures involving soft tissue, bone grafting and dental extractions.

Cosmetic procedures performed by a periodontist can enhance aspects of your smile not usually addressed by conventional cosmetic dental treatment.

Periodontists understand the complex relationships between oral health and important medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Your dentist may have recommended referral to a periodontist for specialist gum treatment or dental implants.

However, you do not need a referral to seek independent expert advice from a periodontist. You should consider visiting a periodontist if you notice bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, receding gums or gum recession.

If you have any missing teeth or are considering dental implants, you should consult a periodontist first to assess your overall periodontal health. Periodontal treatment can prevent future tooth loss and reduce the risk of dental implant infection.

We recommend all patients with diabetes to consult a periodontist. Gum disease is strongly associated with several medical conditions including diabetes and heart disease. Periodontal treatment can reduce the effects of gum inflammation to improve your overall general health.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth or gums, periodontists offer a range of cosmetic treatments to improve your smile.