Gum disease: A highly preventable and treatable condition when detected and treated early before it progresses

A healthy, beautiful smile is timeless. It looks good on everybody, regardless of age. And by partnering with Smile in Style, we can prevent the conditions that lead to tooth loss. You keep your complete, confident, and functional smile for life. 

Gum Disease Stages in Moonee Ponds VIC Area

Along with dental decay, periodontal (gum) disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Fortunately, our team in Moonee Ponds, Victoria, works with patients to keep the tissues that surround and support the teeth healthy. As a progressive condition, gum disease can also be halted before irreversible damage occurs. When detected and addressed in its earlier stages, the effects of periodontal disease may even be reversed.

An introduction 

Gum disease primarily refers to inflamed gums. Untreated, the disease erodes the supportive bone. The biggest culprit is the buildup of destructive bacterial plaque. Toxins within the plaque and your body’s inflammatory response contribute to gingival inflammation, infection, and a breakdown of the soft and hard tissues that support our teeth. 

Early-stage disease 

Healthy gums are firm, not overly red, and they do not bleed or feel tender when you brush or otherwise touch them. Gums affected by the earliest form of periodontal disease (gingivitis) may bleed when you brush or floss. They may look inflamed, redder-than-usual and swollen. These changes occur as a result of plaque at the gum line. When you do not consistently or adequately clean your teeth, bacteria feed off lingering starches and sugars. The resulting bacterial film produces toxins and irritates the gums. The good news is, since the supportive bone and fibre attachments remain in place, these effects from gingivitis can be reversed with modifications to hygiene and professional preventative care (like our “standard” cleanings).

Later-stage disease

If early disease is not treated, the condition can progress to its advanced form: periodontitis. Early periodontitis is characterised by damage to the supportive bone and fibre attachments. The gums further pull away from the teeth, causing a “long in the tooth” smile as more of the tooth structure is exposed. Furthermore, deeper pockets form between the teeth and gums. These periodontal pockets only hasten the effects of this disease. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of the disease and involves the destruction of the supportive bony and fibre tissues. Your teeth may shift and feel loose. You can rock them back and forth in their sockets. At this point, extraction or removal of the tooth may be necessary. 

Don’t wait to contact us! 

As indicated, treatment depends on the stage and severity of the disease. Earlier on, non-invasive and relatively simple interventions can successfully resolve the disease. As the process continues, though, other procedures may be necessary – from nonsurgical scaling and root planing to regenerative techniques. 

Our dentists, Drs Terry Rose and Sutanter Wander, are also skilled at laser dentistrya precise and well-tolerated alternative to aggressive surgical cutting techniques. We urge you to schedule your exam and hygiene appointment at our office in Moonee Ponds, Victoria before you notice any of the changes mentioned here. 

We can be reached at 03 8400 4104You may also schedule an appointment at our Sunbury office at 03 8001 6021.

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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
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Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.