Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Healthy gums and supporting bone provide the foundation for healthy teeth.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums and bone that support the teeth. It can progress gradually and, particularly in its earlier stages, may cause relatively few symptoms.

At Station St Dental, our approach is to identify periodontal disease early, assess its severity and risk factors, and develop an individual plan to bring the condition under control and maintain stability over the long term.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Gingivitis is inflammation confined to the gums and is generally reversible with appropriate professional and home care.

Periodontitis is more significant. In susceptible individuals, inflammation associated with bacterial plaque can lead to progressive loss of the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. If left unmanaged, this can eventually result in tooth mobility and tooth loss.

Possible signs of periodontal disease include:

Bleeding gums
Red, swollen or tender gums
Persistent bad breath
Gum recession
Changes or spaces developing between teeth
Teeth becoming loose or changing position

Importantly, periodontal disease can sometimes progress without obvious pain, which is one reason regular assessment is valuable.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment in Bowral

Assessing Gum Health

Periodontal assessment involves more than simply looking for bleeding gums.

Where indicated, we carefully measure the gums around the teeth to assess periodontal pocket depths, bleeding, gum recession and attachment levels. Dental X-rays may also be used to assess the supporting bone.

These measurements provide a baseline that allows us to determine the extent of disease and, importantly, monitor changes and response to treatment over time.

Treating and Managing Periodontal Disease

The initial aim of periodontal treatment is to reduce inflammation and bacterial deposits around and beneath the gumline.

Depending on the extent of disease, treatment may include:

Professional removal of plaque and calculus above and below the gumline
Careful cleaning of affected root surfaces
Air polishing where appropriate
Individualised oral hygiene instruction
Advice about factors that may influence periodontal health
Review and reassessment following initial treatment
Ongoing periodontal maintenance

Effective home care is an essential part of periodontal treatment. We will help you identify the cleaning techniques and products that are most appropriate for your individual situation.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontitis is generally considered a long-term condition requiring ongoing management.

Once the disease has been stabilised, regular periodontal maintenance and monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of further progression. The appropriate interval between visits depends on the severity of previous disease, individual risk factors and how well the condition is responding.

Our aim isn’t simply to make the gums look or feel better temporarily, but to maintain the supporting structures around your teeth and help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.

When Specialist Periodontal Care Is Needed

Some patients have more advanced or complex periodontal problems that benefit from specialist management.

When appropriate, we work closely with specialist periodontists and can coordinate referral, treatment and ongoing maintenance between the specialist and Station St Dental.

This allows us to match the level of care to the individual patient rather than applying the same approach to every case.

Why Choose Station St Dental?

Truly Holistic Dental Care

At Station St Dental, we treat more than just your teeth - we care for your complete oral health. Our approach takes into account everything that could impact your smile, from breathing and lifestyle habits to personal goals and even work-related factors. We look at the full picture to provide the most effective, personalised care possible.

Integrated, Multi-Disciplinary Dentistry

Our experienced dentists are skilled in a wide range of dental treatments, allowing us to offer comprehensive care under one roof. From preventive and general dentistry to more complex procedures, we’re equipped to manage the oral health needs of the whole family.

To ensure we stay ahead of the curve, our entire team - including our friendly front desk staff - regularly attends professional development courses. We’re committed to learning the latest advancements in dental care and proudly use cutting-edge equipment and technology in our clinic.

A Comfortable, Family-Friendly Environment

We know that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some. That’s why we go above and beyond to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where patients of all ages feel safe and at ease. With calming background music throughout the practice, we aim to make every appointment as pleasant as possible.

Family-Focused Dentistry

Families are at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s your toddler’s first dental check-up, orthodontic care for your teen, or cosmetic treatments for you - we tailor our approach to suit each family member’s individual needs.

It’s not uncommon for families to schedule their appointments together, making it easy and convenient to manage everyone’s oral health in one visit.

Plus, eligible children may access up to $1,132 in dental care over two years through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) - making quality care more accessible when you need it most.