Periodontal disease treatment typically starts with a deep clean and may include surgery for advanced cases.
Gum disease affects nearly one in three Australian adults over the age of 55. Left untreated, it leads to bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
This article explains the different stages of periodontal disease treatment, what to expect at each stage, and where to find treatment on the Mid North Coast.
Sundial Dental offers periodontal treatment at our Port Macquarie clinic and across all five Mid North Coast locations. Book a consultation to assess your gum health.
What Is Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It starts as gingivitis, where the gums become inflamed and bleed easily.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that harbour bacteria below the gumline.
- Gingivitis: red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing. Reversible with proper cleaning and professional treatment
- Early periodontitis: gum pockets of 4-5 mm, early bone loss visible on x-rays, some gum recession
- Moderate periodontitis: pockets of 5-7 mm, noticeable bone loss, teeth may start to feel loose
- Advanced periodontitis: pockets deeper than 7 mm, significant bone loss, teeth become mobile and may need extraction
The Australian Government’s Healthdirect service notes that gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions in adults, and the risk increases with age, smoking, diabetes, and certain medications.
Signs You May Have Periodontal Disease
Many people have periodontal disease without knowing it. The early stages are often painless, which is why regular dental check-ups matter.
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from the teeth (recession)
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth or teeth that have shifted position
- Pain when chewing
- Changes in the way your dentures fit
If you notice any of these signs, it is worth having your gums assessed by a dentist. Catching periodontal disease early makes treatment simpler and more predictable.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Disease Treatment
Most periodontal disease treatment begins with non-surgical methods. For mild to moderate cases, this is often enough to bring the disease under control.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach to the tooth.
This is usually done under local anaesthetic over two to four appointments. Most patients find it no worse than a regular clean, just a longer appointment.
Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, your dentist may place a slow-release antibiotic gel directly into the gum pockets after deep cleaning. This targets bacteria that the instruments cannot reach.
At Sundial Dental, we assess the depth of your gum pockets and take x-rays to determine the extent of bone loss before recommending any treatment plan. Every case is different.
Surgical Periodontal Treatment Options
If non-surgical treatment does not adequately control the disease, or if the bone loss is advanced, surgical options may be recommended.
| Procedure | What It Involves | When It Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| Flap surgery | Gums are lifted back to remove tartar from deep pockets, then sutured back into place | Pockets deeper than 5-6 mm that do not respond to deep cleaning |
| Bone grafting | Bone material is placed where periodontal disease has destroyed the supporting bone | Significant bone loss around teeth worth saving |
| Guided tissue regeneration | A membrane is placed between bone and gum tissue to encourage bone regrowth | Combined with flap surgery for moderate to severe bone loss |
| Soft tissue grafts | Tissue from the palate or donor material is used to cover exposed roots | Gum recession causing sensitivity or aesthetic concerns |
Your dentist will discuss the options that apply to your specific situation. Not every case of periodontal disease requires surgery.
What to Expect During Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment is typically done in stages. Rushing through it does not produce good results.
- Assessment: full mouth x-rays, gum pocket measurements, and a review of your medical history (medications like blood thinners and bisphosphonates affect treatment planning)
- Initial treatment: deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), usually completed over 2-4 visits
- Re-assessment: 6-8 weeks after initial treatment, your dentist checks pocket depths again to see how the gums have responded
- Further treatment if needed: surgery or additional deep cleaning for pockets that have not improved
- Ongoing maintenance: regular professional cleans every 3-4 months to prevent the disease from returning
The maintenance phase is where many people fall off. Periodontal disease can be controlled but not cured. Skipping maintenance appointments allows the bacteria to recolonise the pockets.
Periodontal Disease and Your Overall Health
Research has established links between periodontal disease and several systemic health conditions. This is particularly relevant for older adults managing multiple health issues.
- Diabetes: periodontal disease and diabetes have a two-way relationship. Uncontrolled diabetes increases gum disease risk, and severe gum disease can make blood sugar harder to manage. The Australian Dental Association recommends that people with diabetes have regular periodontal assessments
- Heart disease: chronic gum inflammation has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, though the exact mechanism is still being studied
- Respiratory conditions: bacteria from periodontal pockets can be inhaled into the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia in older adults
If you are managing diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory conditions, letting your dentist know helps them coordinate your periodontal treatment with your broader health needs.
Periodontal Disease Treatment on the Mid North Coast
Sundial Dental provides periodontal assessment and treatment across five clinics on the Mid North Coast. Whether you are in Port Macquarie, Taree, Kempsey, Wauchope, or Laurieton, periodontal care is available locally.
Early assessment is the most effective step you can take. If you have noticed bleeding gums, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath, book a consultation at your nearest Sundial Dental clinic.
